Is a daytime telephone number required when submitting a patent application?
While not strictly required, the USPTO requests the submission of a daytime telephone number for the party to whom correspondence is to be addressed. According to 37 CFR 1.33(a): For the party to whom correspondence is to be addressed, a daytime telephone number should be supplied in a clearly identifiable manner and may be changed…
Read MoreIs a daytime telephone number required in patent applications?
While not strictly required, the USPTO recommends providing a daytime telephone number in patent applications. According to MPEP 601.03(b): “The submission of a daytime telephone number of the party to whom correspondence is to be addressed is requested pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.33(a).” The MPEP further explains: “While business is to be conducted on…
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of MPEP ¶ 2.32 in relation to Continued Prosecution Applications?
MPEP ¶ 2.32 provides guidance for patent examiners on how to respond to requests for deleting a named inventor in a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) for design patents. The paragraph serves several purposes: It offers a template for examiners to acknowledge receipt of a statement requesting inventor deletion. It confirms that the inventorship has been…
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of Form Paragraph 2.38 in the MPEP regarding non-English provisional applications?
Form Paragraph 2.38 in the MPEP serves several important purposes regarding non-English provisional applications: It notifies the applicant that an English translation and/or a statement of translation accuracy is required for a non-English language provisional application. It informs the applicant about the specific documents that are missing from their application. It provides clear instructions on…
Read MoreWhat happens when one of multiple practitioners of record is suspended?
When one of multiple practitioners of record is suspended, the USPTO continues to communicate with the remaining unsuspended practitioners. MPEP § 407 provides guidance for this situation: “This form paragraph should be used when there is at least one registered practitioner still of record who has not been suspended or excluded from practice.” The Office…
Read MoreWhat information is included in the first Office action of a CPA?
The first Office action of a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) includes important information for the applicant. According to MPEP ¶ 2.35, the examiner should: Advise the applicant that a ‘conditional’ request for a CPA is treated as an unconditional request Confirm that the CPA is acceptable and has been established Provide notice that an action…
Read MoreWhat information is included in the USPTO’s acknowledgment of a CPA request?
When acknowledging a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) request, the USPTO includes specific details as outlined in MPEP ¶ 2.35. The acknowledgment typically includes: The filing date of the CPA request The application number of the prior application on which the CPA is based A statement that the CPA request is acceptable Confirmation that a CPA…
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of MPEP ¶ 2.32 regarding inventor deletion in CPAs?
MPEP ¶ 2.32 provides guidance for patent examiners on how to acknowledge and process requests to delete a named inventor in Continued Prosecution Applications (CPAs) for design patents. The paragraph serves several purposes: It offers a standardized response for examiners to use when acknowledging the receipt of a request to delete an inventor. It confirms…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO communicate when an attorney or agent is suspended?
When an attorney or agent is suspended, the USPTO does not communicate with them. Instead: For sole practitioners: The Office action is mailed to the address of the first named applicant in the application. For multiple practitioners: The Office action is mailed to the first named unsuspended registered practitioner of record and to the first…
Read MoreHow is double correspondence handled in patent applications?
The USPTO generally does not engage in double correspondence with applicants and their representatives. Specifically: The Office will not correspond with both an applicant and their attorney/agent. The Office will not correspond with more than one attorney/agent. If double correspondence is attempted, the examiner will include form paragraph 4.01 in the next Office action. According…
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