How are assignment records different from application file records?
The USPTO treats assignment records and application file records as distinct entities. According to MPEP 323.01(d): Assignment records are recognized as distinct from application file records. This distinction is important because: Expungement procedures may affect assignment records differently than application file records. Searches in the Assignment Historical Database may yield different results than searches in…
Read MoreHow are historical patent assignment records maintained?
How are historical patent assignment records maintained? The USPTO maintains historical patent assignment records separately from more recent records. MPEP 301.01 explains: ‘The historical database of assignments is maintained separate and apart from the database of assignments affecting title recorded since 1980.’ This means that: Records prior to August 1980 are kept in a separate…
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