What is a Statement of Grant of Protection in international design applications?

A Statement of Grant of Protection is a formal notification sent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) after a patent is issued on an international design application designating the United States. This statement confirms that protection has been granted for the…

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Are specimens allowed in international design applications designating the United States?

No, specimens are not permitted in international design applications designating the United States. The MPEP clearly states: “In addition, specimens are not permitted in international design applications designating the United States. See 37 CFR 1.1027.“ This restriction is important for applicants to be aware of when preparing their international design applications that include the United…

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How can I specify a correspondence address for an international design application filed with the USPTO as an office of indirect filing?

According to 37 CFR 1.1042, applicants can specify a correspondence address for communications sent by the USPTO as an office of indirect filing. The MPEP states: “Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.1042, the applicant may specify a correspondence address for correspondence sent by the USPTO as an office of indirect filing.“ This address can be different…

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What is the recommended content for the specification in an international design application designating the United States?

For international design applications designating the United States, the MPEP recommends including specific content in the specification: “An international design application designating the United States must include a specification as prescribed by 35 U.S.C. 112 and preferably include a brief description of the reproductions pursuant to Rule 7(5)(a) describing the view or views of the…

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How are small and micro entity discounts applied to international design application fees?

Small and micro entity discounts are applied to certain fees for international design applications, as explained in MPEP 2910: “The transmittal fee is discounted for small and micro entities. […] The first and second parts of the individual designation fee for the United States are discounted for small and micro entities.” Key points about these…

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What is the requirement for submitting a “Sequence Listing XML” in international applications under the PCT?

According to MPEP 2414.05, international applications filed under the PCT that contain a disclosure of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences must include a sequence listing part of the description that complies with the standard provided in Annex C of the Administrative Instructions. The MPEP states: “Where an international application, filed under the PCT, contains a…

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