How are nonprovisional patent applications assigned for examination?
Nonprovisional patent applications are assigned for examination through the Patents Service for Time and Application Routing (PSTAR) program. According to MPEP 504, “The Patents Service for Time and Application Routing (PSTAR) program assigns each nonprovisional application to an examiner.” This system ensures that each application is routed to an appropriate examiner based on factors such as the application’s subject matter and the examiner’s expertise.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers,
MPEP 504 - Assignment of Application for Examination,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure