What is an application number and how is it assigned?

An application number consists of a series code and a serial number. It is assigned by the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) immediately after mail has been opened. For applications filed using the USPTO patent electronic filing system, EFS-Web provides an Acknowledgement Receipt containing a time and date stamp, application number, and confirmation number.…

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How should patent examiners handle objections to drawings?

Patent examiners should handle objections to drawings as follows: If the examiner makes objections to the drawings, they should require correction in reply to the Office action. The examiner should not permit the objection to be held in abeyance. If drawings are marked as ‘informal’ but considered acceptable by OPAP, the examiner should not require…

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What are the requirements for acceptable patent drawings?

According to MPEP 608.02(b), drawings are considered either acceptable or unacceptable. The Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) will accept drawings if they are readable and reproducible for publication purposes. Additionally, examiners review drawings for: Disclosure of the claimed invention Proper use of reference numerals The MPEP states: Drawings will be accepted by the Office…

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What steps were taken if an inventor’s signature was missing from a continuation or divisional application?

If an inventor’s signature was missing from a continuation or divisional application, the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) would typically take the following steps: Send a “Notice to File Missing Parts” requiring the signature of the nonsigning inventor. If a copy of the decision according status under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47 was not included…

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What happens if the OPAP finds patent drawings unacceptable?

If the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) finds patent drawings unacceptable, the following process occurs: OPAP sends a Notice to File Corrected Application Papers to the applicant. The applicant is given a two-month period from the mailing date to file acceptable drawings. This period is extendable under 37 CFR 1.136(a). The application will not…

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What happens if drawings submitted in a patent application are marked as ‘informal’?

If drawings submitted in a patent application are marked as ‘informal’ but are considered acceptable by the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP), the examiner will not require replacement of the drawings. As stated in the MPEP: If the drawings submitted in an application have been indicated by the applicant as “informal,” but the drawings…

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