How are Statutory Invention Registrations (SIRs) numbered?
Statutory Invention Registrations (SIRs) have a specific numbering system. According to MPEP 901.06(d): “Statutory Invention Registrations are numbered with document category “H,” beginning with “H1.” This unique numbering system distinguishes SIRs from regular patents and other USPTO publications. It’s important for patent searchers and examiners to be aware of this system when conducting prior art…
Read MoreHow are patent application publications numbered and identified?
Patent application publications have a unique numbering system and identification method. According to MPEP 901.04(a): Each year the numbering of published patent applications will begin again with the new four-digit year and the number 0000001, so the number of a patent application publication must include an associated year. For example, a patent application publication might…
Read MoreHow are Defensive Publications numbered?
Defensive Publications have had different numbering systems over time. According to MPEP 901.06(d): “Distinct numbers are assigned to all Defensive Publications published December 16, 1969 through October 1980. For Defensive Publications published on and after November 4, 1980, a different numbering system is used.” For older Defensive Publications, there is a conversion system: “A conversion…
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