What is the USPTO’s policy on indexing additional patent numbers against a previously recorded document?

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 USPTO does not process requests for indexing or cross-referencing additional patent numbers or application numbers against a document previously recorded in the Assignment Division, unless it’s an assignment. This policy is based on compliance with 37 CFR 3.11, 3.28, and 3.31.

As stated in MPEP 315: “The Office does not process requests for ‘indexing’ or ‘cross-referencing’ additional patent numbers or application numbers against a document, other than an assignment, previously recorded in the Assignment Division.”

For more information on Assignment Division, visit: Assignment Division.

For more information on document recording, visit: document recording.

For more information on USPTO policy, visit: USPTO policy.