What information can I find about my patent application status?
The USPTO provides several ways to obtain information about the status of your patent application. According to the standard language in office actions: “Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from Patent Center and the Private Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from Patent…
Read MoreWhat information can be provided in response to status inquiries?
What information can be provided in response to status inquiries? The USPTO has strict guidelines on the information that can be provided in response to status inquiries. MPEP 203.08 states: “In no event will the following information be given over the telephone: (A) Filing date of applications; (B) Whether an application has been allowed, abandoned,…
Read MoreWhen should I inquire about the status of my amended patent application?
For amended patent applications, it’s important to understand the expected timelines and when it’s appropriate to make a status inquiry: Examiners are expected to act on amended applications within two months of receiving them. A status inquiry is generally not necessary until 5-6 months have passed without a response from the USPTO. If six months…
Read MoreHow are powers to inspect handled in Image File Wrapper (IFW) applications?
For Image File Wrapper (IFW) applications, the process of granting power to inspect is different. According to MPEP 104: “Powers to inspect are not accepted in Image File Wrapper (IFW) applications. IFW applications are available through the Private Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system, and pro se applicants and attorneys of record have direct access…
Read MoreHow long should I wait before making a status inquiry on my amended application?
For amended applications, it’s generally advised to wait before making a status inquiry. According to MPEP 203.08: Amended applications are expected to be taken up by the examiner and an action completed within two months of the date the examiner receives the application. Accordingly, a status inquiry is not in order after reply by the…
Read MoreAre powers to inspect accepted in Image File Wrapper (IFW) patent applications?
No, powers to inspect are not accepted in Image File Wrapper (IFW) applications. IFW applications are available through the Private Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system, and pro se applicants and attorneys of record have direct access to the IFW through Private PAIR when: A Customer Number is associated with the correspondence address for the…
Read MoreWhat information can I access about my unpublished patent application?
For unpublished patent applications, access to information is more restricted and typically limited to the applicant or their registered representative. Here’s what you need to know: Unpublished application information is available through Private PAIR. You must associate a Customer Number with your application to access this information. If you’re not the applicant or authorized representative,…
Read MoreHow can an applicant obtain specific information about their patent application status?
How can an applicant obtain specific information about their patent application status? While the USPTO limits the information provided over the phone, applicants have other methods to obtain detailed status information. MPEP 203.08 suggests: “Applicants can obtain more information using the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. PAIR provides customers direct secure access to their…
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