How many prioritized examination requests are accepted each year?
The USPTO limits the number of prioritized examination requests that can be accepted each fiscal year. The MPEP states: Until further notice, the Office will accept no more than 15,000 requests for prioritized examination in any fiscal year. This limit applies to both Track One (for new applications) and PE-RCE (for requests for continued examination)…
Read MoreWhat happened to 37 CFR 1.62 and when was it deleted?
37 CFR 1.62, which covered the File Wrapper Continuing Procedure, was deleted effective December 1, 1997. This change was announced in the Official Gazette: “See 1203 O.G. 63, October 21, 1997.” This deletion significantly impacted how certain continuation, divisional, and continuation-in-part applications were processed. For more information on patent application procedures, visit: patent application procedures.
Read MoreWhat is the difference between the Certificate of Mailing and Priority Mail Express procedures?
While both the Certificate of Mailing (37 CFR 1.8) and Priority Mail Express (37 CFR 1.10) procedures can be used to establish timely filing of USPTO correspondence, they have some key differences: Certificate of Mailing can be used with any class of mail, while Priority Mail Express is a specific USPS service. Certificate of Mailing…
Read MoreWhat happens to amendments and information disclosure statements when filing a CPA?
When filing a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA), amendments and information disclosure statements (IDS) from the prior application are handled as follows: Amendments: The MPEP states, “Any new change must be made in the form of an amendment to the prior application as it existed prior to the filing of an application under this paragraph.” Applicants…
Read MoreWhat happened to 37 CFR 1.62 File Wrapper Continuing Procedure?
37 CFR 1.62, which covered the File Wrapper Continuing Procedure, was deleted effective December 1, 1997. This change was announced in the Official Gazette 1203, published on October 21, 1997. The MPEP states: 37 CFR 1.62 was deleted effective December 1, 1997. See 1203 O.G. 63, October 21, 1997. This means that applications filed under…
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