How are patented and abandoned patent files stored and accessed by USPTO examiners?
The USPTO has specific procedures for storing and accessing patented and abandoned patent files:
- Recent Files: Recently patented and abandoned paper files are stored at the Files Repository.
- Older Files: These are housed in off-site warehouses.
- Image File Wrapper (IFW) Applications: These are stored electronically. The MPEP states,
Image File Wrapper (IFW) applications are stored electronically and do not have a paper file wrapper to be stored other than certain artifact material. The electronic file is the official record of the application.
Examiners access these files through the File Ordering System (FOS). The MPEP explains:
Patented and abandoned paper files or artifact folders are ordered by means of the File Ordering System (FOS). To place such an order, the system requires a delivery organization (i.e. the examiner’s art unit), employee number, and patent number(s) and/or application number(s) of the file(s) that are needed.
The FOS provides status updates on file requests, and Files Repository personnel handle the physical delivery of paper files to examiners. For IFW applications, this physical process is not necessary as the files are accessed electronically.
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