What is the File Ordering System (FOS) and how is it used?
The File Ordering System (FOS) is a system used by patent examiners to order patented and abandoned paper files or artifact folders. MPEP 711.04(b) states:
“To place such an order, the system requires a delivery organization (i.e. the examiner’s art unit), employee number, and patent number(s) and/or application number(s) of the file(s) that are needed.”
After submitting a request, the examiner receives a response indicating the status of the request, such as accepted, not accepted, or if the file is stored off-site.
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