What are the requirements for an abstract in a patent application?
According to 37 CFR 1.72(b), the requirements for an abstract in a patent application are: It must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims. It should be under the heading ‘Abstract’ or ‘Abstract of the Disclosure’. The sheet presenting the abstract should not include other parts of the application. It should be concise,…
Read MoreHow have drawing requirements changed for patent applications filed on or after December 18, 2013?
For non-design patent applications filed on or after December 18, 2013, the drawing requirements have been relaxed. The MPEP states: Applications, which are not design applications, filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) or (b) on or after December 18, 2013 are entitled to a filing date even if the application does not contain drawings. However, it’s…
Read MoreWhat are the drawing requirements for patent applications filed before December 18, 2013?
For patent applications filed before December 18, 2013, drawings were generally required to receive a filing date. As stated in the MPEP, For applications filed prior to December 18, 2013, 35 U.S.C. 111(a)(4) and 35 U.S.C. 111(b)(4) each provide, in part, that the ‘filing date… shall be the date on which… any required drawing are…
Read MoreWhat are the requirements for submitting photographs of models or exhibits?
When submitting models or exhibits that are required by the Office or filed with a petition, applicants must include photographs that meet specific criteria. According to MPEP 608.03: Models or exhibits that are required by the Office or filed with a petition under 37 CFR 1.91(a)(3) must be accompanied by photographs that (A) show multiple…
Read MoreWhat documents are required for an assignee to revoke power of attorney in a patent application?
What documents are required for an assignee to revoke power of attorney in a patent application? To revoke power of attorney in a patent application, an assignee must submit specific documents to the USPTO. According to MPEP 402.07, the required documents are: Statement under 37 CFR 3.73(c): This establishes the assignee’s ownership. Revocation of the…
Read MoreWhat information must be included on an assignment cover sheet?
An assignment cover sheet must include specific information to be accepted by the USPTO. According to MPEP 302.07, the cover sheet must contain: The name of the party conveying the interest The name and address of the party receiving the interest A description of the interest conveyed or transaction to be recorded Identification of the…
Read MoreWhat are the requirements for S-signatures in USPTO patent applications?
S-signatures, or electronic signatures, are accepted by the USPTO for patent applications. The requirements for S-signatures include: The signature must be between forward slash marks (//). The signer’s name must be provided in printed or typed form preferably immediately below or adjacent to the S-signature. The S-signature may be any combination of letters, numbers, spaces,…
Read MoreCan I use both sides of the paper when submitting assignment documents to the USPTO?
No, you cannot use both sides of the paper when submitting assignment documents to the USPTO. For paper or facsimile submissions, only one side of each page may be used. As stated in 37 CFR 3.24(b): Only one side of each page may be used. This requirement ensures that all information is clearly visible and…
Read MoreHow should photographs be submitted in patent applications?
Photographs in patent applications should be submitted according to specific guidelines: Black and white photographs must be of sufficient quality for reproduction and printing. Color photographs are treated the same as color drawings and require a petition. Photographs must be on paper that complies with 37 CFR 1.84(e). The photographs should directly depict the invention…
Read MoreWhat is a substitute specification in patent applications?
A substitute specification is a rewritten version of the entire specification or a part of it in a patent application. It may be required by the USPTO or voluntarily submitted by the applicant under certain conditions. According to 37 CFR 1.125(a): If the number or nature of the amendments or the legibility of the application…
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