What is the purpose of the automated routing system for patent applications?
The automated routing system for patent applications serves several important purposes in the patent examination process: Efficient assignment of applications to examiners Matching of technical expertise with application subject matter Streamlining the examination workflow Reducing manual intervention in the assignment process As described in MPEP 909.01(a): “New nonprovisional utility applications are assigned directly to individual…
Read MoreHow are new patent applications assigned to examiners under the CPC system?
New patent applications are assigned to examiners using an automated routing system based on the CPC classifications. MPEP 909.01(a) states: “New nonprovisional utility applications are assigned directly to individual examiners by an automated routing system that uses the CPC symbols on an application to determine the best available examiner to work on that individual application.”…
Read MoreWhat are the general guidelines for assigning nonprovisional design and plant applications for examination?
The general guidelines for assigning nonprovisional design and plant applications for examination include: Applications are assigned based on where they would have an original classification if the claims were in a patent. Claims and statement of invention are generally taken as they read, interpreted in light of the disclosure. The most indented subclass in the…
Read MoreHow do examiners handle applications they believe are improperly assigned to their docket?
When examiners encounter applications they believe are improperly assigned to their docket, the process is as follows: If the issue is based on classification, the examiner initiates a transfer request to the appropriate examiner or art unit. For issues not related to classification (e.g., potentially a utility application), the examiner should: Email the TC 2900…
Read MoreHow are new design and plant patent applications initially assigned?
New nonprovisional design and plant patent applications are initially assigned by the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) as follows: Design applications are assigned to Technology Center (TC) 2900 Plant applications are assigned to Technology Center (TC) 1600 As stated in the MPEP: New nonprovisional design and plant applications are assigned to Technology Centers (TCs)…
Read More