How can I change my entity status for maintenance fee payments?
To change your entity status for maintenance fee payments, you have several options: For payments by mail, facsimile, or hand delivery: Include a paper changing the entity status with your maintenance fee payment. For online payments: Change your entity status before submitting the payment. MPEP 2550 suggests: “Before submitting a payment via the Patent Maintenance…
Read MoreWhat is the Image File Wrapper (IFW) system and how can I access it?
The Image File Wrapper (IFW) system is a digital system used by the USPTO to replace paper processing of patent applications. Key points about the IFW system include: Paper components of application files are scanned to create electronic image files. For applications in the IFW system, the electronic file is the Official file. All processing…
Read MoreWhat is Private PAIR and how can I access it for international patent applications?
Private PAIR (Patent Application Information Retrieval) is a system that displays information regarding patent application status, allowing applicants to access current patent application status electronically via the Internet. To access private PAIR for international applications, you must meet the following criteria: Be a registered patent attorney/agent, an independent inventor, or a person granted limited recognition…
Read MoreCan I change the correspondence address or appoint/change an agent through Private PAIR?
No, you cannot change the correspondence address or appoint/change an agent directly through Private PAIR, even if you have access to view the status of your international application. As stated in MPEP 1809: “The ability to view on private PAIR the status of the international application does not allow an applicant to change the correspondence…
Read MoreHow can I access patent application status information?
Patent application status information is available through two main systems: Patent Center: Provides information on issued patents, published patent applications, and applications to which a patented or published application claims domestic priority. Private Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR): Allows secure tracking of unpublished patent applications for applicants or registered practitioners with power of attorney. To…
Read MoreWhat 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…
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