How do I claim priority to a prior foreign patent application in a U.S. patent application?
To claim priority to an earlier-filed foreign application, the applicant must: 1. File the U.S. application within 12 months of the foreign application’s filing date (6 months for design applications).2. In the U.S. application, include a claim for priority that identifies the foreign application. For applications filed on/after 9/16/12, this must be in an ADS.3.…
Read MoreHow are filing deadlines affected by USPTO closures?
When the entire USPTO is officially closed for business for an entire day due to adverse weather or other causes: The day is considered a “Federal holiday within the District of Columbia” under 35 U.S.C. 21 Any action or fee due on such a day may be taken or paid on the next succeeding business…
Read MoreWhen should property rights statements to DOE or NASA be filed?
According to MPEP 150, property rights statements to DOE or NASA can be filed at any time, but they should be kept up-to-date to reflect accurate property rights at the time of application allowance. The MPEP states: Property rights statements to DOE or NASA may be filed at any time but should be updated if…
Read MoreWhat are the time limits for filing an interim copy of a foreign application?
The time limits for filing an interim copy of a foreign application are specified in 37 CFR 1.55(j). According to the MPEP: 37 CFR 1.55(j) also provides that the interim copy of the foreign application and cover sheet must be filed within the later of sixteen months from the filing date of the prior foreign…
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