How are patent applications classified and assigned to examiners?
According to MPEP 909.02(b), the classification and assignment process for patent applications is as follows:
For nonprovisional design and plant applications:
- Every new or amended application, including drawings, is classified and assigned to an examiner when first assigned to a Technology Center (TC).
- The supervisory patent examiner typically assigns the application to an examiner.
For provisional applications (Plant only):
- These are not classified or assigned, as they are not examined.
The MPEP states: “Every nonprovisional design and plant application, new or amended, and including the drawings, if any, when first assigned to a Technology Center (TC) must be classified and assigned to an examiner for examination.”
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