How are new design and plant patent applications initially processed?

New nonprovisional design and plant patent applications are initially processed by the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) and then assigned to specific Technology Centers (TCs). According to MPEP 909.02(a):

“New nonprovisional design and plant applications are assigned to Technology Centers (TCs) 2900 and 1600, respectively, in the first instance by the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP).”

This means that design patent applications are directed to TC 2900, while plant patent applications are sent to TC 1600 for further examination.

To learn more:

• design patents
• plant patents
• patent application processing
• Technology Centers
• USPTO procedures