How are reexamination requests initially assigned?
Reexamination requests are typically assigned to a Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) art unit that examines the technology in which the patent to be reexamined is currently classified. As stated in the MPEP: A reexamination request is normally assigned to a Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) art unit which examines the technology (Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.) in…
Read MoreHow is the proper Technology Center determined for a reexamination request?
The proper Technology Center (TC) for a reexamination request is determined based on the current classification of the patent being reexamined. According to MPEP 2237: “The proper TC for reexamination is determined by the classification of the patent being reexamined.” This means that: The current classification of the patent is used, not the classification at…
Read MoreWho is responsible for making a restriction requirement in patent applications?
The primary responsibility for making a restriction requirement in patent applications lies with the assigned examiner. According to MPEP 812, “The examiner to which the application has been assigned will make the restriction requirement, unless the classification is not reasonably correct and complete.” This means that the examiner who is initially assigned to review the…
Read MoreWhat is the Patent Classification Home Page?
The Patent Classification Home Page is an online resource provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that serves as a clearinghouse for classification information. According to MPEP 902.03(a), “The Office of Patent Classification Home Page address on the Internet is www.uspto.gov/Classification.” This site publishes classification information in HTML and PDF formats, making it…
Read MoreWhat is the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)?
The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) is a bilateral classification system jointly developed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the European Patent Office (EPO). As stated in MPEP 905: “Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) is a bilateral classification system jointly developed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the European…
Read MoreWhat classification system is used for utility patents and applications?
Utility patents, applications, and patent application publications are classified under the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system. As stated in MPEP 903: “Utility patents, applications, and patent application publications receive a classification designation under the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system.” The CPC system is a joint classification system developed by the European Patent Office (EPO) and…
Read MoreCan the patent classification system be updated or revised?
Yes, the patent classification system can be updated and revised. MPEP 903.01 cites 35 U.S.C. 8, which explicitly states: “The Director may revise and maintain the classification by subject matter of United States letters patent, and such other patents and printed publications as may be necessary or practicable…” This provision allows the USPTO to: Update…
Read MoreWhat is the Patent Classification Home Page on the USPTO Intranet?
The Patent Classification Home Page on the USPTO Intranet is a comprehensive resource for classification information provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). According to MPEP 902.03(b), “The site is the clearinghouse for classification information by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).” It offers access to various classification tools and resources for…
Read MoreAre there any more FAQs about the Patent Classification Home Page on the USPTO Intranet?
No, all relevant information from MPEP 902.03(b) regarding the Patent Classification Home Page on the USPTO Intranet has been covered in previous FAQs. The section is brief and focused, limiting the number of unique and meaningful questions that can be generated without risking redundancy. To learn more: USPTO Intranet Patent Classification FAQ Completion
Read MoreHow are foreign patent documents classified in the USPTO’s patent database?
Foreign patent documents in the USPTO’s patent database are classified according to the U.S. Patent Classification System. The MPEP states: “Foreign patent documents that have not been abstracted into the U.S. Patent Classification System are available for searching on an as-disclosed basis.“ This means that while some foreign patents are fully integrated into the U.S.…
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