What is the significance of the September 21, 2004 date in relation to 37 CFR 1.57(b)?

The date September 21, 2004, is significant in relation to 37 CFR 1.57(b) because it marks the effective date of the provisions now contained in this regulation. The MPEP states that one reason an amendment might not comply with 37 CFR 1.57(b) is if the present application was filed before September 21, 2004, the effective date of the provisions now in 37 CFR 1.57(b).

This means that applications filed before this date cannot use the incorporation by reference procedure outlined in 37 CFR 1.57(b) to add inadvertently omitted material. For such applications, different rules and procedures would apply for addressing omitted material.

For more information on 37 CFR 1.57(b), visit: 37 CFR 1.57(b).

For more information on effective date, visit: effective date.

For more information on incorporation by reference, visit: incorporation by reference.