What is the role of the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) in handling new design and plant patent applications?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 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. The Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) plays a crucial initial role in handling new design and plant patent applications at the USPTO. As detailed in MPEP 909.02(a) : “New nonprovisional design and plant applications are assigned to Technology Centers (TCs) 2900 and 1600, respectively, in the first instance by the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP).” OPAP is responsible for the initial processing of these applications, which includes reviewing them for completeness, assigning application numbers, and directing them to the appropriate Technology Centers for examination. This ensures that applications are routed efficiently to the correct specialized examiners. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Application Must Be Fully Classified on Receipt MPEP 909.01(b) Required Classifications Required for Examiner Assignment MPEP 909.01(b) Permitted Provisional Applications Not Classified or Assigned MPEP 909.01(b) Patent Applications with National Security Concerns Must Not Be Published MPEP 101 Required National Security Classified Patent Application Must Be Declassified Before Publication and Allowance MPEP 120 Types of Secrecy Orders for Patent Applications MPEP 120 Type II Secrecy Order for Patent Applications with Classified Data MPEP 120 Disclosure Allowed for Classifiable Patent Applications MPEP 120 Type I Secrecy Order for Patent Applications MPEP 120 Declassified Patent Application Required MPEP 130 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How are new design and plant patent applications initially assigned? How are new design and plant patent applications initially processed? Which Technology Center handles design patent applications...