What is the process for issuing a patent after the Notice of Allowance?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. The process for issuing a patent after the Notice of Allowance involves several stages: Electronic capture of information by the Office of Data Management Initial Data Capture (IDC) for electronic capture of the patent filed (approximately 6 weeks) File Maintenance Facility (FMF) update (1-2 weeks) Final Data Capture (FDC) stage (average 5 weeks) Issue Notification mailed (approximately 3 weeks prior to issue date) Printing and mailing of the patent grant As stated in MPEP 1309 : “ The average time that an allowed application is in the FDC process is 5 weeks (2 weeks of processing time for assignment of issue date). The “Issue Notification” is mailed approximately 3 weeks prior to the issue date of the patent. “ Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Electronic Capture After Notice of Allowance MPEP 1309 Application Exported to Final Data Capture After Fees and Requirements Met MPEP 1309 FDC Updates Electronic File for Patent Issuance MPEP 1309 Mailed Issue Notification for Non-e-Office Participants MPEP 1309 Permitted Issue Notification Available Electronically Before Patent Issues MPEP 1309 Digital Seal and Signature for Electronic Patents MPEP 1309 Application Data Sent to IDC After Allowance MPEP 1309 Application Stays Until All Post-Allowance Requirements Met MPEP 1309 Permitted First Application Requires Notice of Allowance to Issue Patent MPEP 2302 Recommended Protest Must Be Filed Before Notice of Allowance MPEP 1901 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is a Corrected Notice of Allowance in patent examination? How does a Request for Correction of Inventorship affect the patent publication process? How do patent examiners handle Print...