What is the process for entering court decisions into a patent file?

The process for entering court decisions into a patent file involves several steps and parties within the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). According to MPEP 2207:

1. The Solicitor’s Office processes notices required by 35 U.S.C. 290 received from clerks of various U.S. courts.
2. These notices are entered into the patent file.
3. The USPTO also accepts submissions of court decisions and other relevant documents from any party at any time.
4. Proper submissions are promptly placed on record (entered) in the patent file.
5. Entry is typically performed by Files Repository personnel.
6. If a reexamination proceeding is pending, the Central Reexamination Unit, the Technology Center, or other responsible area of the Office enters the submission.

The MPEP states: Any proper submission will be promptly placed on record (entered) in the patent file. Entry of these submissions is performed by the Files Repository personnel, unless a reexamination proceeding is pending, in which case, the Central Reexamination Unit, the Technology Center, or other area of the Office having responsibility for the reexamination enters the submission.

This process ensures that relevant court decisions and legal proceedings are properly documented in the patent file for future reference and consideration.

To learn more:

• court decisions
• patent file
• USPTO
• MPEP 2207
• 35 U.S.C. 290