What types of requests are decided by the Office of General Law in the USPTO?
Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27
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 General Law in the USPTO is responsible for deciding three main types of requests:
- Requests filed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
- Administrative appeals of the FOIA Officer’s decision
- Certain uncontested decisions involving the Office of Enrollment and Discipline
As stated in MPEP 1002.02(k)(2): “1. Requests filed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). 2. Administrative appeals of the FOIA Officer’s decision. 3. Certain uncontested decisions involving the Office of Enrollment and Discipline.”