What is the significance of the Patent Data Portal in the patent examination process?
The Patent Data Portal plays a crucial role in maintaining accurate records during the patent examination process. It is particularly important when preparing an application for issue.
According to the MPEP: If any claim to domestic benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), 120, 121, 365(c), or 386(c) is added, deleted, and/or modified during prosecution of the application and such addition, deletion, and/or modification has been approved, the examiner must make sure that the information in the Patent Data Portal database is current and up to date.
If the Patent Data Portal has not been updated, the examiner must forward the application to the Technology Center (TC) Legal Instrument Examiner with an explanation of the necessary correction. This ensures that all benefit claims and related information are accurately recorded before the patent is granted.
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