How should the interim copy be filed via the USPTO patent electronic filing system?
Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09
This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.
When filing an interim copy via the USPTO patent electronic filing system:
- The main parts of the foreign priority application (Abstract, Drawings, Specification, Claims, etc.) along with the cover sheet may be filed as a single PDF image file.
- Select the document description ‘Interim Copy of the Foreign Priority Application’ when indexing.
- For plain text files (e.g., Sequence Listings), file as a .txt file and select ‘Interim Copy of the Foreign Priority (text file)’ as the document description.
- XML files (e.g., Standard ST.26 Sequence Listing) should be filed on a read-only optical disc as part of the ‘Interim Copy of Foreign Priority.’
See MPEP § 502.05 for more information on filing documents electronically.
Topics:
MPEP 200 - Types and Status of Application; Benefit and Priority Claims
MPEP 215-Certified Copy of Foreign Application
Patent Law
Patent Procedure