Are substitute specifications allowed in reissue applications or reexamination proceedings?
No, substitute specifications are not permitted in reissue applications or reexamination proceedings. This is explicitly stated in 37 CFR 1.125(d): A substitute specification under this section is not permitted in a reissue application or in a reexamination proceeding. This restriction is important to maintain the integrity of the original patent document in these special proceedings.…
Read MoreAre USPTO employees allowed to initiate email communications with patent applicants?
USPTO employees are generally not permitted to initiate email communications with patent applicants unless there is a written authorization on record. According to MPEP 502.03: ‘USPTO employees are NOT permitted to initiate communications with applicants via Internet email unless there is a written authorization of record in the patent application by the applicant.’ However, if…
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