Are there any exceptions that allow a suspended or excluded patent practitioner to inspect an application?
Yes, there is one exception. A suspended or excluded patent attorney or agent can inspect an application if they are the inventor or applicant of that particular application. The MPEP clarifies: USPTO employees are forbidden to hold either oral or written communication with an attorney or agent who has been suspended or excluded from practice…
Read MoreAre there any exceptions to the time limits for filing foreign priority claims?
Yes, there are exceptions to the standard time limits for filing foreign priority claims, particularly for design patent applications and certain applications filed before November 29, 2000. According to 37 CFR 1.55(d)(1): The time periods in this paragraph do not apply if the later-filed application is:(i) An application for a design patent; or(ii) An application…
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