What is the examiner’s duty regarding classification when an application is passed to issue?
When an application is passed to issue, the primary examiner has specific duties regarding classification:
- Personally review the classification picture of the application in the issuing classification boxes on the Issue Classification form.
- Provide their full name in the “Primary Examiner” space to show that the review has been completed.
- For examiners with full signatory authority who act personally on an application, they should stamp and sign their name ONLY in the “Primary Examiner” space.
As stated in MPEP 905.03(b): “When an application is passed to issue, it is the duty of each primary examiner to personally review the classification picture of the application in the issuing classification boxes on the Issue Classification form. This form provides space for the full name of the “Primary Examiner” to show that the review has been made.“
This process ensures that the final classification of the patent is accurate and has been thoroughly reviewed before issuance.
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