What is the purpose of Form PTOL-37 in the patent allowance process?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27

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.

Form PTOL-37, also known as the “Notice of Allowability,” serves several important purposes in the patent allowance process:

  • It communicates the examiner’s decision that the application is in condition for allowance.
  • It provides a record of any examiner’s amendments made to the application.
  • It lists any attachments or additional forms included with the Notice of Allowance.

As stated in MPEP 1303: “If the application has been amended, the examiner completes Form PTOL-37 by providing the required information, i.e., attachments such as an examiner’s amendment and/or list of references cited by applicant.” This form is crucial for documenting the final state of the application before it proceeds to issuance.

Tags: examiner's amendments, form ptol-37, notice of allowability, Patent Allowance