How does MPEP 318 guide patent examiners on handling assignment documents?

MPEP 318 provides clear guidance to patent examiners on how to handle assignment documents. The section states:

“Assignment documents submitted for recording should not be placed directly in application or patent files, but should be forwarded to Assignment Division for recording.”

This instruction serves to:

• Remind examiners not to include assignment documents in the main application file
• Direct examiners to forward any received assignment documents to the Assignment Division
• Ensure that the proper procedures for recording assignments are followed
• Maintain the separation between technical examination and ownership recording

By following this guidance, patent examiners help maintain the integrity of both the application files and the assignment records.