What should I do if there’s a discrepancy in the maintenance fee status information provided by the USPTO?
If you encounter a discrepancy in the maintenance fee status information provided by the USPTO, take the following steps: Double-check your records: Ensure that your own payment records are accurate and up-to-date. Contact the USPTO Office of Finance: Call 571-272-6500 to speak with a representative who can verify the information in their system. Provide evidence:…
Read MoreWhat happens to the patent file after a Certificate of Extension is issued?
After a Certificate of Extension is issued, several changes occur to the patent file: The certificate is added to the official patent file. Original papers from the extension application are transferred to the official patent file. A copy of the certificate is added to the patent electronic database. The patent is added to the list…
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of the file wrapper in a patent application?
The file wrapper, also known as the prosecution history, serves several important purposes in a patent application: It contains a complete record of all proceedings in the USPTO related to the application. It provides a chronological history of the examination process. It includes all official correspondence between the applicant and the USPTO. It is used…
Read MoreHow does changing the correspondence address in a patent application affect a patent practitioner’s address in the USPTO roster?
Changing the correspondence address in a patent application does not affect a patent practitioner’s address in the USPTO roster of patent attorneys and agents. This is explicitly stated in 37 CFR 1.33(e): A change of address filed in a patent application or patent does not change the address for a patent practitioner in the roster…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle incorrect or erroneous assignment recordings?
How does the USPTO handle incorrect or erroneous assignment recordings? The USPTO has a specific process for handling incorrect or erroneous assignment recordings: No expungement: The USPTO does not expunge or remove assignment documents once they are recorded. Corrective documents: Parties can record corrective documents to address errors or provide clarifications. Maintaining integrity: This approach…
Read MoreWhat happens if an assignee’s ownership changes during patent prosecution?
If an assignee’s ownership changes during patent prosecution, it’s crucial to update the USPTO records. As per MPEP 325: “A new statement under 37 CFR 3.73(c) is required to be filed when ownership changes to another assignee.” This means that: The new assignee must file a new 37 CFR 3.73(c) statement. The new statement must…
Read MoreHow can I make a patent assignment of record with the USPTO?
There are two ways to make a patent assignment of record with the USPTO: Record the assignment in the USPTO’s assignment records as provided in 37 CFR Part 3. This provides legal notice to the public but does not determine the validity or effect of the assignment. Make the assignment of record in the file…
Read MoreHow does assignment work for division and continuation applications?
For division and continuation applications, a prior assignment recorded against the original application is automatically applied to the new application. This is because the assignment recorded against the original application gives the assignee rights to the subject matter common to both applications. However, it’s important to note that while the assignment is effective for the…
Read MoreWhat information is available in USPTO patent assignment records?
USPTO patent assignment records contain valuable information about the ownership and transfer of patent rights. According to MPEP 301.01, these records include: Reel and frame number of the recordation Name of the conveying party (assignor) Name and address of the receiving party (assignee) Patent or application number Date of execution Date of recordation The MPEP…
Read MoreWhat is the ‘Minimum Significant Part of the Number’ in foreign application citations?
The ‘Minimum Significant Part of the Number’ refers to the essential portion of a foreign application number that should be used in United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) records. According to the MPEP: The ‘Minimum Significant Part of the Number’ identified in the tables should be used in United States Patent and Trademark Office…
Read More