What is the Digital Access Service (DAS) for priority documents?

The Digital Access Service (DAS) is an electronic system that allows participating intellectual property offices to exchange priority documents securely. For international design applications:

  • Applicants can authorize the retrieval of priority documents through DAS.
  • This eliminates the need to manually file certified copies in some cases.
  • The USPTO or IB can retrieve the priority document electronically if available.

MPEP 213.07 states: The certified copy of the foreign application must be filed within the later of four months from the filing date of the international design application, or sixteen months from the filing date of the prior foreign application, except as provided in paragraphs (h), (i), and (j) of this section. DAS can help meet these deadlines more efficiently.

To learn more:

Topics: MPEP 200 - Types and Status of Application; Benefit and Priority, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: electronic retrieval, priority documents