Where can I file an international patent application in the United States?
International patent applications can be filed in the United States through the following methods: Electronically through the USPTO’s electronic filing system (EFS-Web) By mail to “Mail Stop PCT, Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450” In person at the Customer Service Window, USPTO Alexandria headquarters, addressed to “Mail Stop PCT” The USPTO states:…
Read MoreWhen was the Statutory Invention Registration (SIR) provision repealed?
The Statutory Invention Registration (SIR) provision was repealed on March 16, 2013, as part of the America Invents Act. According to MPEP 1101: “The provisions of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 157 were repealed on March 16, 2013, effective for any request filed on or after that date. See §3(e) of the America Invents Act.” This means…
Read MoreWhen should a Notice of Allowability be issued?
A Notice of Allowability should be issued promptly whenever an application has been placed in condition for allowance. The MPEP 1302.03 states: “In all instances, both before and after final rejection, in which an application is placed in condition for allowance, applicant should be notified promptly of allowability of the claims by a Notice of…
Read MoreWhen did the Israel Patent Office (ILPO) become an International Searching Authority?
The Israel Patent Office (ILPO) became available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) on October 1, 2014. As stated in the MPEP 1840.05: “Since October 1, 2014, the Israel Patent Office (ILPO) has been available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for PCT applications filed by U.S. nationals or residents in the U.S. Patent and…
Read MoreWhat is voluntary publication of a patent application?
Voluntary publication is a process where an applicant can request the USPTO to publish a utility or plant application that was filed before November 29, 2000, under 35 U.S.C. 122(b). This option is available because applications filed before this date were not automatically published under the new law. As stated in MPEP 1133: “Utility and…
Read MoreWhat is the Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office?
The Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (Official Gazette) is an electronic publication released every Tuesday. It consists of two sections: The Official Gazette – Patents The Official Gazette – Trademarks According to the MPEP 1703, “The Official Gazette — Patents reports the reexamination certificates, reissues, plant patents, utility patents, and…
Read MoreWhat is a redacted publication request for patent applications?
A redacted publication request allows applicants who have filed applications in foreign countries to submit a redacted copy of their U.S. patent application for publication. This redacted copy eliminates any part or description of the invention that is not contained in the corresponding foreign applications. According to MPEP 1132, “If an applicant has filed applications…
Read MoreWhat is the Patent Classification Home Page?
The Patent Classification Home Page is an online resource provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that serves as a clearinghouse for classification information. According to MPEP 902.03(a), “The Office of Patent Classification Home Page address on the Internet is www.uspto.gov/Classification.” This site publishes classification information in HTML and PDF formats, making it…
Read MoreWhat is a Notice of Publication in patent applications?
A Notice of Publication is a document mailed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to inform applicants that their patent application has been published. According to MPEP 1127: “The Office will not mail a paper copy of the patent application publication to the applicant, but will mail a ‘Notice of Publication’ to…
Read MoreWhat is a nonpublication request for a patent application?
A nonpublication request is a formal request made by an applicant to prevent the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) from publishing their patent application. This request is based on 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(i), which states: “If an applicant makes a request upon filing, certifying that the invention disclosed in the application has not and will…
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