What are the normal corrective procedures for assignment records?

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.

The USPTO provides normal corrective procedures for assignment records, which are outlined in MPEP 323.01(a) through 323.01(c). These procedures are typically the first course of action for addressing issues in assignment records. The expungement process, as described in MPEP 323.01(d), is only considered when:

the normal corrective procedures outlined in MPEP § 323.01(a) through § 323.01(c) will not provide the petitioner with adequate relief

The normal corrective procedures may include:

• Filing a corrective document
• Requesting a correction to the cover sheet
• Submitting evidence to correct clerical errors

It’s important for patent applicants and attorneys to be familiar with these procedures and to exhaust these options before considering a petition for expungement.