What is the definition of an ‘allowed’ application?
An ‘allowed’ application is a nonprovisional patent application that has been examined and determined to meet all statutory requirements. The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) states: “An ‘allowed’ nonprovisional application or an application ‘in issue’ is one which has been examined and determined to meet all statutory requirements, and in which a notice of…
Read MoreWhat are the statutory requirements for handling patent applications and related documents?
35 U.S.C. 122 and 18 U.S.C. 2071 impose statutory requirements which cover the handling of patent applications and related documents. As explained in MPEP 101: “35 U.S.C. 122 and 18 U.S.C. 2071 impose statutory requirements which cover the handling of patent applications and related documents. Suspension, removal, and even criminal penalties may be imposed for…
Read MoreWhat is the statutory requirement for claims in a patent application?
The statutory requirement for claims in a patent application is outlined in 35 U.S.C. 112. According to MPEP 608.01(k), this statute “requires that the specification shall particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or joint inventor regards as his orher invention.” This means that the claims must clearly and precisely…
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