What are the status flags in reissue application processing?
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.
In the reissue application process, there are two important status flags that must be set by the Training Quality Assurance Specialist (TQAS):
- Initial Flag: Set when a new reissue application enters the Technology Center (TC).
- Final Flag: Removed before a Notice of Allowance can be generated or an issue revision transaction can be entered.
MPEP 1456 states: “First, when a new reissue application enters the TC, a TQAS must set a status ‘flag’ by entering the reissue application number in an Office-wide computer grouping before a docketing transaction will be accepted.” It further explains: “Second, the TQAS must remove the above-described status ‘flag’ before a Notice of Allowance can be generated or the transaction for an issue revision can be entered, thereby ensuring that the TQAS is made aware of when the reissue application is being allowed so that the TQAS may be able to conduct a final review of the reissue application, if appropriate.“