How does the Director of International Patent Legal Administration handle requests for confidentiality of international applications?
The Director of International Patent Legal Administration is responsible for handling requests related to the confidentiality of international applications. Specifically, they decide on: Petitions for express abandonment to avoid publication of international applications Petitions to review decisions refusing to publish international applications This is stated in MPEP 1002.02(p): “The Director of International Patent Legal Administration…
Read MoreWhat are the conditions for withdrawing an application after payment of the issue fee?
After the issue fee is paid, withdrawal is permitted only for the reasons stated in 37 CFR 1.313(c). The MPEP states: “Once the issue fee is paid, withdrawal is permitted only for the reasons stated in 37 CFR 1.313(c).“ The specific reasons identified in 37 CFR 1.313(c)(1)-(3) are: Unpatentability of one or more claims Consideration…
Read MoreHow is the date of abandonment determined for a patent application?
The date of abandonment for a patent application is determined based on the expiration of the set shortened statutory period, including any extensions. It’s typically the day after the period expires. MPEP 711.04(a) provides clear examples: “A non-final Office action was mailed on May 15, 2019 and set a 3 month shortened statutory period that…
Read MoreCan I get a refund of the search fee and excess claims fee by abandoning my application?
Yes, it is possible to obtain a refund of the search fee and excess claims fee by abandoning your application, but specific conditions must be met. According to MPEP 711.01, Section III: As provided in 37 CFR 1.138(d), refund of the search fee and excess claims fee paid in an application filed under 35 U.S.C.…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between express and unintentional abandonment of a patent application?
Express abandonment and unintentional abandonment are two distinct ways a patent application can be abandoned. According to MPEP 711: ‘Express abandonment occurs when an applicant deliberately chooses to abandon the application, while unintentional abandonment happens when an applicant fails to reply to an Office action within the set time period without intending to abandon the…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between express and implied abandonment of a patent application?
What is the difference between express and implied abandonment of a patent application? Express and implied abandonment are two ways a patent application can be abandoned. The MPEP 711 provides guidance on both types: Express Abandonment: This occurs when an applicant explicitly declares their intention to abandon the application. The MPEP states: Express abandonment of…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between express and formal abandonment of a patent application?
Express abandonment and formal abandonment are two ways to voluntarily abandon a patent application: Express abandonment is initiated by the applicant or their attorney/agent by filing a written declaration of abandonment. Formal abandonment occurs when the applicant fails to reply to an Office action within the set statutory period or shortened statutory period. According to…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between express abandonment and failure to respond?
Express abandonment and failure to respond are two distinct ways a patent application can be abandoned, but they have important differences: Express abandonment is a voluntary action taken by the applicant to formally abandon the application. It requires a written statement filed with the USPTO during the pendency of the application. Failure to respond results…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between express abandonment and abandonment by failure to reply?
What is the difference between express abandonment and abandonment by failure to reply? There are two main types of abandonment in patent applications: Express abandonment: This occurs when the applicant deliberately abandons the application by filing a written declaration of abandonment. As stated in MPEP 711, ‘Express abandonment of the application may be accomplished by…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between express abandonment and abandonment by failure to reply?
What is the difference between express abandonment and abandonment by failure to reply? Express abandonment and abandonment by failure to reply are two distinct ways an application can be abandoned: Express abandonment: This occurs when an applicant explicitly declares their intention to abandon the application. According to MPEP 711.01, ‘An express abandonment may be recognized…
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