How are Patentability Reports counted and recorded by the USPTO?
The USPTO has specific procedures for counting and recording Patentability Reports (P.R.s). According to MPEP 705.01(c):
“The forwarding of the application for a Patentability Report is not to be treated as a transfer by the forwarding Technology Center (TC). When the P.R. is completed and the application is ready for return to the forwarding TC, it is not counted either as a receipt or action by transfer. Credit, however, is given for the time spent.”
Key points about counting and recording P.R.s:
- Forwarding for a P.R. is not considered a transfer
- Completing and returning a P.R. is not counted as a receipt or action by transfer
- Examiners receive credit for time spent on P.R.s
- The date status of the application is determined based on dates in the TC of original jurisdiction
- Timely reminders should be furnished to the TC making the P.R. to ensure orderly progress
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