Question: When will a provisional application be given a filing date? Answer: A provisional application filed on or after December 18, 2013 will be given a filing date as of the date a specification, with or without claims, is received in the Office. Chapter Details: The answer to this question can be found in chapter […]

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Question: List at least 3 special cases (those which are advanced out of turn for examination). Answer: The following is a list of special cases (those which are advanced out of turn for examination): (A) Applications on inventions that are deemed of peculiar importance to some branch of the public service and when for that […]

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Question: Since CPA applications were eliminated for utility and plant applications, what should applicants who wish to continue examination of the same claimed invention after the prosecution of a utility or plant application is closed consider filing? Answer: Effective July 14, 2003, continued prosecution application (CPA) practice was eliminated as to utility and plant applications. […]

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Question: What is the time for reply to a final rejection? Answer: The time for reply to a final rejection is as follows: (A) All final rejections setting a 3-month shortened statutory period (SSP) for reply should contain a form paragraph advising applicant that if the first reply is filed within 2 months of the […]

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Question: When does the revocation of a filing receipt license become effective? Answer: The revocation becomes effective on the date on which the notice is mailed. Chapter Details: The answer to this question can be found in chapter 100 of the MPEP. This chapter covers Secrecy, Access, National Security, and Foreign Filing. The answer is […]

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Question: How can a maintenance fee and any necessary surcharge be made? Answer: The method of payment for the maintenance fee and any necessary surcharge shall be made in U.S. dollars and in the form of a cashier’s or certified check, Treasury note, national bank notes, or United States Postal Service money order as provided […]

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Question: What does a petition under 37 CFR 1.78(b) require? Answer: A petition under 37 CFR 1.78(b) requires: (A) the reference required by 35 U.S.C. 119(e)and 37 CFR 1.78 to the prior-filed provisional application, which must be included in application data sheet (unless previously submitted in an application data sheet); (B) the petition fee as […]

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Question: 37 CFR 1.136(a) permits an applicant to file a petition for extension of time and a fee up to 5 months after the end of the time period set to take action except during which circumstances? Answer: 37 CFR 1.136(a) permits an applicant to file a petition for extension of time and a fee […]

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Question: What are some examples of rationales that may support a conclusion of obviousness? Answer: Examples of rationales that may support a conclusion of obviousness include: (A) Combining prior art elements according to known methods to yield predictable results; (B) Simple substitution of one known element for another to obtain predictable results; (C) Use of […]

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Question: What actions should happen if an examiner discovers new matter in a substitute or additional drawing? Answer: If the examiner discovers new matter in a substitute or additional drawing, the drawing should not be entered and the examiner should describe the new matter that resulted in non-entry in the next Office action. A new […]

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