What is the purpose of an attorney docket number in a patent application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 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. An attorney docket number is used by law firms and companies to internally track and manage patent applications. While it’s not required by the USPTO, it can be included on application documents for reference. However, there are limitations: Must be limited to a maximum of 25 characters Spaces, slashes, and hyphens are not included in the entered docket number on the official filing receipt For docket numbers beginning with ‘CASE’ or ‘NAVY-CASE’, only characters after these prefixes are entered The MPEP states: ‘Attorney docket numbers must be limited to a maximum of 25 characters to prevent truncation. The USPTO system data base allows a maximum of 25 characters for the attorney docket numbers.’ (MPEP 503) Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Attorney Docket Numbers Must Be Limited to 25 Characters MPEP 503 Filing Receipt Assigns Application Number and Confirmation MPEP 503 Notification of Application Number and Filing Date MPEP 503 Docket Numbers Must Be 25 Characters Long MPEP 503 Required Docket Number Must Exclude Spaces, Slashes, and Hyphens MPEP 503 Confirmation Number Must Be Included on Filing Receipt MPEP 503 Permitted Self-Addressed Postcard With Application Number and Date MPEP 503 Filing Receipt Controls Application Number MPEP 503 Permitted Filing Receipt for Meeting Minimum Requirements MPEP 503 Docket Number After CASE or NAVY-CASE Required MPEP 503 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the USPTO handle applications filed with missing parts? What are the series codes for different types of patent applications? What information is included in a patent filing receipt? How can I get a receipt for items filed with the USPTO? Can a pa...