How should an interim copy of a foreign application be submitted electronically?

Submitting an interim copy of a foreign application electronically involves specific procedures. The MPEP provides guidance:

‘If not provided as a single paper document, the main parts of the interim copy of the foreign priority application, i.e., Abstract, Drawings, Specification, Claims, and where applicable, the foreign patent office’s equivalent to a “Sequence Listing” (see MPEP § 2421.01), a “Sequence Listing XML” (see MPEP § 2412), “Large Tables” (see MPEP § 608.05(b)), or a “Computer Program Listing Appendix” (see MPEP § 608.05(a)), along with the separate cover sheet required by 37 CFR 1.55(j), may be filed as a single PDF image file via the USPTO patent electronic filing system.’

Key points for electronic submission:

• File as a single PDF image file when possible
• Use the document description ‘Interim Copy of the Foreign Priority Application’ when indexing
• For plain text files, use the description ‘Interim Copy of the Foreign Priority (text file)’
• XML files, like Standard ST.26 Sequence Listings, should be filed on a read-only optical disc

Proper indexing and file format selection are crucial for successful electronic submission.

For more information on electronic submission, visit: electronic submission.

For more information on foreign application, visit: foreign application.

For more information on interim copy, visit: interim copy.

For more information on patent procedure, visit: patent procedure.