How is the USPTO identified when acting as an International Preliminary Examining Authority?
When the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) acts as an International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA), it is identified in a specific manner. According to 37 CFR 1.416(b) in MPEP 1862:
“The United States Patent and Trademark Office, when acting as an International Preliminary Examining Authority, will be identified by the full title “United States International Preliminary Examining Authority” or by the abbreviation “IPEA/US.”
This identification is important for official communications and documents related to the international preliminary examination process under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
To learn more: