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 MoreWhat are the criteria for a patent application to be made special due to the applicant’s age?
What are the criteria for a patent application to be made special due to the applicant’s age? According to MPEP 708.01, an application may be made special based on the applicant’s age if: The applicant is 65 years of age or older, or The applicant is in poor health and fears they may not survive…
Read MoreWhat does it mean for a patent application to be considered ‘special’?
In the context of patent examination, an application may be designated as ‘special’ under certain circumstances. The MPEP 707.02 provides guidance on this designation for long-pending applications: Any application that has been pending five years or more should be carefully studied by the supervisory patent examiner and every effort should be made to terminate its…
Read MoreWhat are the criteria for an application to be made special based on applicant’s age or health?
What are the criteria for an application to be made special based on applicant’s age or health? An application can be made special based on the applicant’s age or health under certain conditions. According to MPEP 708.01: Age: The applicant must be 65 years of age or older. Health: The applicant must provide evidence of…
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of the ‘special’ application status in patent examination?
What is the purpose of the ‘special’ application status in patent examination? The ‘special’ application status in patent examination serves to expedite the processing and examination of certain patent applications. According to MPEP 708, “Applications which have been made special in accordance with this paragraph will be taken up for examination more quickly than is…
Read MoreWhat is the process for making a patent application special under the Patent Prosecution Highway?
What is the process for making a patent application special under the Patent Prosecution Highway? The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) is a program that allows for expedited processing of patent applications. According to MPEP 708.01: A request for participation in a Patent Prosecution Highway program may be granted by the Patents Business Center. To make…
Read More