How can reproductions be submitted through EFS-Web for international design applications?
Reproductions for international design applications can be submitted through EFS-Web as PDF or JPEG files. The process and requirements are as follows: Reproductions can be submitted as single-page PDF or JPEG files using the “Attach Reproductions” section of the “Attach Documents” screen. Alternatively, PDFs (including multi-page PDFs) can be attached using the “Attach Documents other…
Read MoreHow should material information be submitted in patent term extension proceedings?
Material information in patent term extension proceedings should be submitted promptly and directly to the appropriate authority. According to MPEP 2762: “Any such material information should be submitted to the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, accompanied by…
Read MoreHow can an applicant submit an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) for an international design application?
Applicants have multiple options for submitting an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) for an international design application designating the United States: When filing the application: According to MPEP 2920.05(f), “When filing an international design application, an applicant may submit an IDS using Annex III to the official application form (DM/1 form).” For more information on this…
Read MoreWhat is the proper way to submit corrections to a patent application?
When submitting corrections to a patent application, it’s important to do so in a clear and transparent manner. The MPEP 2011 provides guidance on this process: “In order to assure that any correction is fully considered by the examiner, applicants should file the correction ‘openly’, as in filing the correction under separate cover so that…
Read MoreHow can I submit a replacement “Sequence Listing XML” file to the USPTO?
There are two methods for submitting a replacement “Sequence Listing XML” file to the USPTO: Via the USPTO patent electronic filing system (Patent Center) On a read-only optical disc, if the file size exceeds the upload limit of Patent Center According to MPEP 2414.03: A compliant replacement “Sequence Listing XML” submitted as an XML file…
Read MoreCan I submit prior art to the USPTO anonymously?
Yes, you can submit prior art to the USPTO anonymously. MPEP 2203 explicitly states: If a person citing prior art or written statements desires his or her identity to be kept confidential, such a person need not identify himself or herself. However, there are some important considerations: If you’re submitting anonymously, you should not identify…
Read MoreHow can I submit a patent term extension application?
Patent term extension applications can be submitted in two ways: By mail addressed to Mail Stop Hatch-Waxman PTE, Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450 Hand-carried to the Office of Patent Legal Administration It’s important to note that “Patent term extension applications MUST NOT be filed by facsimile or the Office’s electronic filing…
Read MoreHow can I submit maintenance fee payments electronically?
Maintenance fee payments can be submitted electronically through the USPTO’s Patent Maintenance Fees Storefront. As stated in MPEP 2510: “Maintenance fee payments can be made electronically over the Internet at www.uspto.gov by credit card, electronic funds transfer (EFT), or by an USPTO deposit account.” This electronic system provides a convenient and secure way to pay…
Read MoreWhat are the steps for filing an appeal to the Federal Circuit in an inter partes reexamination?
According to MPEP 2683, the steps for filing an appeal to the Federal Circuit in an inter partes reexamination are: In the USPTO, timely file a written notice of appeal directed to the Director in accordance with 37 CFR 1.302 and 1.304. In the Federal Circuit, file a copy of the notice of appeal and…
Read MoreWhat is the statutory basis for interference proceedings in patent law?
The statutory basis for interference proceedings in patent law is primarily found in 35 U.S.C. 135 (pre-AIA). This statute outlines the process for declaring and conducting interferences. According to the MPEP: “Whenever an application is made for a patent which, in the opinion of the Director, would interfere with any pending application, or with any…
Read More