What is the purpose of an Application Data Sheet (ADS) in patent applications filed before September 16, 2012?

An Application Data Sheet (ADS) in patent applications filed before September 16, 2012 serves several important purposes:

• It provides bibliographic data to be used for capturing and processing application information.
• It allows applicants to submit certain information without an oath or declaration or application transmittal letter.
• It may be used to provide or correct bibliographic data, particularly if submitted within one month of the filing date.

According to MPEP 601.05(b): “An application data sheet is a sheet or set of sheets containing bibliographic data, which is arranged in a format specified by the Office. When an application data sheet is provided in a patent application, the application data sheet becomes part of the application.”

To learn more:

• Application Data Sheet
• ADS
• Patent Application
• Bibliographic Data