What is express abandonment of a patent application?
Express abandonment is a formal procedure where an applicant or their attorney/agent voluntarily abandons a patent application. According to MPEP 711.01, A letter of abandonment properly signed becomes effective when an appropriate official of the Office takes action thereon. This means the abandonment is officially recognized when processed by the USPTO. To learn more: express…
Read MoreWhat happens if an express abandonment is filed on a weekend or holiday?
When an express abandonment is filed on a weekend or federal holiday, it is treated as received on the next business day. The MPEP 711.01 provides clear guidance on this: “A letter of express abandonment which is personally delivered to the Office on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday within the District of Columbia, will…
Read MoreHow does a declaration of express abandonment affect the application status?
How does a declaration of express abandonment affect the application status? A declaration of express abandonment has an immediate effect on the application status. According to MPEP 711.02(b): “Where an applicant expressly abandons an application pursuant to 37 CFR 1.138, the application will be considered terminated as of the date the express abandonment is received…
Read MoreHow can I file an express abandonment to avoid publication of my patent application?
To avoid publication of your patent application through express abandonment, you can file a petition under 37 CFR 1.138(c). The MPEP states: A petition under 37 CFR 1.138(c) will not stop publication of the application unless it is recognized and acted on by the Pre-Grant Publication Division in sufficient time to avoid publication. To increase…
Read MoreWhat happens if I expressly abandon my application after paying the issue fee?
If you wish to expressly abandon your application after paying the issue fee, additional steps are required. According to MPEP 711.01, Section I: If a letter of express abandonment is being submitted in an allowed application after the payment of the issue fee, the express abandonment must be accompanied by a petition to withdraw from…
Read MoreHow is the date of abandonment determined for a patent application?
How is the date of abandonment determined for a patent application? The date of abandonment for a patent application is determined based on the type of abandonment and the circumstances surrounding it. According to MPEP 711.04(a), there are several scenarios: Failure to reply within the set time period: The date of abandonment is the day…
Read MoreCan an express abandonment of a patent application be withdrawn?
Generally, an express abandonment of a patent application cannot be withdrawn once it has been recognized by the Office. As stated in MPEP 711.01: ‘An express abandonment, when recognized by the Office, is generally not withdrawable.’ However, there are rare exceptions where the Office may allow withdrawal of an express abandonment: If the abandonment was…
Read MoreCan an express abandonment be rescinded or withdrawn?
Can an express abandonment be rescinded or withdrawn? Generally, an express abandonment cannot be rescinded or withdrawn once it has been recognized by the Office. The MPEP 711.01 states: ‘Once an express abandonment is recognized by the Office, the file will be processed as an abandoned application and the abandonment cannot be withdrawn.’ This means…
Read MoreCan an express abandonment be withdrawn or revoked?
Generally, an express abandonment cannot be withdrawn or revoked once it has been recognized by the Office. The MPEP 711.01 states: “A letter of express abandonment which is personally delivered to the Office on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday within the District of Columbia, will be deemed to be received on the next succeeding…
Read MoreWhat forms are available for filing an express abandonment?
The USPTO provides several forms for filing express abandonment, depending on the specific circumstances. According to MPEP 711.01, Section V, the following forms are available: Form PTO/AIA/24 (or PTO/SB/24 for pre-AIA applications): For filing a general letter of express abandonment or abandonment in favor of a continuing application Form PTO/AIA/24A (or PTO/SB/24A for pre-AIA applications):…
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