What is the projected publication date for a patent application?
The projected publication date for a patent application is an important timeline provided by the USPTO. According to MPEP 1120, the projected publication date is typically determined as follows:
“The projected publication date normally will be the later of: (1) eighteen months from the earliest filing date claimed; or (2) fourteen weeks from the mailing date of the filing receipt.”
Key points about the projected publication date:
- It is provided on the filing receipt for the patent application.
- The publication process takes about fourteen weeks.
- Publications occur on Thursdays of each week.
- Applicants should promptly review their filing receipts and contact the Application Assistance Unit if the projected publication date is incorrect or if a date has been assigned to an application that should not be published.
It’s crucial for applicants to review and correct any information on the filing receipt promptly, especially regarding priority or benefit claims, to ensure accurate and timely publication.
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