What are ‘status inquiries’ in the context of patent applications?
What are ‘status inquiries’ in the context of patent applications? ‘Status inquiries’ refer to requests for information about the current state of a pending patent application. The MPEP 708 provides guidance on how these inquiries are handled: “Replies to status inquiries shall be made promptly, usually within two weeks from receipt of the inquiry.” Key…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle status inquiries for unpublished applications?
How does the USPTO handle status inquiries for unpublished applications? The USPTO has specific procedures for handling status inquiries for unpublished applications: Status information is only provided to applicants, their attorneys or agents, or assignees of record. Third parties cannot receive status information about unpublished applications. The USPTO may confirm the filing date, application number,…
Read MoreHow should USPTO personnel respond to status inquiries about patent applications?
USPTO personnel are instructed to handle status inquiries about patent applications promptly and professionally. According to MPEP 203.08: “Inquiries as to the status of applications, by persons entitled to the information, should be answered promptly. The examiner, correspondent, or other appropriate personnel should provide the information requested within the following time periods: (A) For information…
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 MoreWhat is the purpose of MPEP 203.08 – Status Inquiries?
What is the purpose of MPEP 203.08 – Status Inquiries? MPEP 203.08 – Status Inquiries outlines the procedures for handling status inquiries about patent applications. The section states: “The Office receives numerous telephone and written requests for information concerning the status of patent applications. These status inquiries may be made to the USPTO Contact Center…
Read MoreWhat are the guidelines for status inquiries in patent applications?
The MPEP provides specific guidelines for status inquiries in patent applications: Status inquiries are encouraged to be made via the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system at https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/checking-application-status/check-filing-status-your-patent-application. If PAIR is unavailable or the inquiry cannot be answered by PAIR, applicants can contact the Technology Center (TC) customer service center. The MPEP states: Applicants and…
Read MoreWhat is the role of the Technology Center in handling status inquiries?
What is the role of the Technology Center in handling status inquiries? Technology Centers (TCs) play a specific role in handling certain types of status inquiries. MPEP 203.08 states: “Inquiries which cannot be answered by the UCC will be forwarded to the TC for response.” This means that more complex or specific inquiries that require…
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