What is the Reexamination e-File and how does it differ from regular patent applications?
The Reexamination e-File is an electronic system that allows viewing of reexamination proceeding papers on the Image File Wrapper (IFW). According to MPEP 2635: “PALM provides information for the reexamination proceeding as to the patent owner and requester, contents, status, and related Office proceedings (applications, patents and reexamination proceedings). Some of the data entry for…
Read MoreHow are paper patent files handled in reexamination proceedings?
For patents not available on the Image File Wrapper (IFW) system, paper patent files are handled as follows in reexamination proceedings: The movement of paper patent files is monitored by the PALM system. If a patent file is only available in paper form, it should be ordered and scanned into the IFW. This scanning process…
Read MoreWhat is the Patent Application Locating and Monitoring (PALM) system used for in patent term adjustment?
The Patent Application Locating and Monitoring (PALM) system is a crucial tool used by the USPTO in determining patent term adjustment (PTA). As stated in MPEP 2733: “The Office makes the patent term adjustment determination by a computer program that uses the information recorded in the Office’s Patent Application Locating and Monitoring (PALM) system.” The…
Read MoreWhat is the PALM system and how is it used in patent reexamination?
The Patent Application Locating and Monitoring (PALM) system is a crucial tool used to support the reexamination process in the USPTO. According to MPEP 2635, “The PALM system is used to monitor major events that take place in processing reexamination proceedings.” It provides information on: Reexamination file data Patent owner and requester details Contents and…
Read MoreWhat major events are reported in the PALM system for reexamination proceedings?
The PALM system is used to report and monitor major events in reexamination proceedings. According to MPEP 2635, some of the key events reported include: Determination Mailed-Denial of request for reexamination Determination Mailed-Grant of request for reexamination Petition for reconsideration of determination received Decision on petition mailed-Denied Decision on petition mailed-Granted Mailing of all examiner…
Read MoreWhat is the initial processing for an ex parte reexamination request under 35 U.S.C. 302?
What is the initial processing for an ex parte reexamination request under 35 U.S.C. 302? The initial processing of an ex parte reexamination request filed under 35 U.S.C. 302 involves several steps: The request is received by the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU). A reexamination file is established and assigned a filing date. The request is…
Read MoreHow can USPTO staff access reexamination file data on PALM?
USPTO staff can access reexamination file data on PALM through the following steps: Access the USPTO intranet site Click on “PALM” and then “General Information” On the PALM INTRANET General Information Display, enter the patent number in the box labeled Patent # Click on “Search” When the “Patent Number Information” appears, click on “Continuity Data”…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO ensure accurate time and activity recording for patent examiners?
The USPTO ensures accurate time and activity recording for patent examiners through several mechanisms outlined in MPEP 1705: PALM System: Examiners use the Patent Application Locating and Monitoring (PALM) system to record their time and activities. Regular Updates: The MPEP states, “Examiners should update the PALM system at least three times per day.” This frequent…
Read MoreHow do patent examiners record their time and activities?
Patent examiners record their time and activities using the USPTO’s Patent Application Locating and Monitoring (PALM) system. According to MPEP 1705, “Examiners will use the Office’s Patent Application Locating and Monitoring (PALM) system to record their time and activity for each application.” This system allows examiners to track various aspects of their work, including: Time…
Read MoreHow should USPTO personnel respond to status inquiries about patent applications?
USPTO personnel are instructed to handle status inquiries about patent applications promptly and professionally. According to MPEP 203.08: “Inquiries as to the status of applications, by persons entitled to the information, should be answered promptly. The examiner, correspondent, or other appropriate personnel should provide the information requested within the following time periods: (A) For information…
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