What is voluntary publication of a patent application?
Voluntary publication is a process where an applicant can request the USPTO to publish a utility or plant application that was filed before November 29, 2000, under 35 U.S.C. 122(b). This option is available because applications filed before this date were not automatically published under the new law. As stated in MPEP 1133: “Utility and…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle requests for republication of patent applications filed before November 29, 2000?
The USPTO has specific requirements for requests to publish applications filed before November 29, 2000, but pending on that date. According to 37 CFR 1.221(a): “Any request for publication of an application filed before, but pending on, November 29, 2000, and any request for republication of an application previously published under § 1.211, must include…
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