What are the guidelines for status inquiries in patent applications?

The MPEP provides specific guidelines for status inquiries in patent applications:

• Status inquiries are encouraged to be made via the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system at https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/checking-application-status/check-filing-status-your-patent-application.
• If PAIR is unavailable or the inquiry cannot be answered by PAIR, applicants can contact the Technology Center (TC) customer service center.
• The MPEP states: Applicants and other individuals with limited Internet access may contact the TC customer service center at (571) 272-3900.
• For reexamination proceedings, status inquiries should be directed to the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) at (571) 272-7705.

It’s important to follow these guidelines to ensure efficient processing of status inquiries.

To learn more:

• status inquiries
• PAIR system
• Technology Center
• Central Reexamination Unit