What is the purpose of the automated routing system for patent applications?
The automated routing system for patent applications serves several important purposes in the patent examination process:
- Efficient assignment of applications to examiners
- Matching of technical expertise with application subject matter
- Streamlining the examination workflow
- Reducing manual intervention in the assignment process
As described in MPEP 909.01(a):
“New nonprovisional utility applications are assigned directly to individual examiners by an automated routing system that uses the CPC symbols on an application to determine the best available examiner to work on that individual application.”
This system ensures that applications are reviewed by examiners with the most relevant knowledge and experience, potentially leading to more accurate and efficient patent examinations.
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