How are requests for withdrawal from issue handled in patent examination?

Requests for withdrawal from issue are among the exceptions to partial signatory authority in patent examination, as outlined in MPEP 1005. This means that such requests require the signature of a primary examiner, Technology Center Director, or practice specialist, even if the examiner has partial signatory authority. The process for handling requests for withdrawal from…

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What actions does an examiner take after an application is withdrawn from issue?

Once an application has been withdrawn from issue due to new grounds for rejection, the examiner must take specific actions. According to MPEP 1308.01: “After the TC Director has withdrawn the application from issue, the examiner will prepare an Office action stating that the application has been withdrawn from issue, citing any new reference(s), and…

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What is the status of a patent application after a notice of allowance is mailed?

Once a nonprovisional patent application has been examined and determined to meet all statutory requirements, a notice of allowance is sent to the applicant. The status of the application is then considered “allowed” or “in issue”. As per MPEP 203.04: An “allowed” nonprovisional application or an application “in issue” is one which has been examined…

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