How can an application be made special without a fee?
According to 37 CFR 1.102(c), as cited in MPEP 708.01, an application can be made special without a fee if the basis for the petition is: The applicant’s age or health The invention will materially: Enhance the quality of the environment Contribute to the development or conservation of energy resources Contribute to countering terrorism The…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle petitions to make special for applicants over 65 years old?
How does the USPTO handle petitions to make special for applicants over 65 years old? The USPTO provides a special provision for applicants over 65 years old to expedite their patent applications. According to MPEP 708.02(III): ‘A petition to make special under this category must state that the applicant is 65 years of age, or…
Read MoreWhat is the process for making an application special based on manufacture?
What is the process for making an application special based on manufacture? The USPTO allows for applications to be made special based on manufacture under certain conditions. MPEP 708.02(VI) outlines this process: ‘An application may be made special on the ground of prospective manufacture upon filing a petition to make special accompanied by the fee…
Read MoreHow can I file a Petition to Make Special based on environmental quality?
How can I file a Petition to Make Special based on environmental quality? To file a Petition to Make Special based on environmental quality, your invention must materially enhance the quality of the environment. According to MPEP 708.02(III): The petition and accompanying papers should include the following: Statement of the field of environmental quality that…
Read MoreWhat are the requirements for a Petition to Make Special based on manufacture?
What are the requirements for a Petition to Make Special based on manufacture? To file a Petition to Make Special based on manufacture, you must meet specific criteria outlined in MPEP 708.02(IV). The key requirements are: The applicant must state that the product or process has been disclosed to the Office of Energy-Related Inventions of…
Read MoreHow does filing a petition to make special affect prioritized examination status?
How does filing a petition to make special affect prioritized examination status? Filing a petition to make special can affect the prioritized examination status of an application. The MPEP 708.02(b) states: “If an applicant files a petition to make special under 37 CFR 1.102(c) or (d) while a request for prioritized examination under 37 CFR…
Read MoreWhat is the age requirement for a Petition to Make Special based on inventor’s age?
What is the age requirement for a Petition to Make Special based on inventor’s age? According to MPEP 708.02(I), an applicant can file a Petition to Make Special based on the inventor’s age if: Any inventor is 65 years of age or older; or Any inventor is in poor health and fears that they may…
Read MoreWhat are the requirements for a petition to make special based on environmental quality?
What are the requirements for a petition to make special based on environmental quality? A petition to make special based on environmental quality must meet specific criteria as outlined in MPEP 708.02(V). The MPEP states: ‘A petition to make special based on environmental quality must establish that the invention materially (1) enhances the quality of…
Read MoreAre there any exceptions to how references are cited in patent examinations?
Yes, there are exceptions to the general citation procedures in patent examinations. MPEP 707.05(c) notes: With the exception of applicant submitted citations, MPEP § 609 and § 708.02, it is recommended that the pertinent features of references which are not used as a basis for rejection be pointed out briefly. This means that applicant-submitted citations…
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