Chapter 500

Question 1

Title of Chapter

Answer 1

Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers

Question 2

file new app

Answer 2

• CANNOT FAX

- USPS, window, EFS Web

Question 3

things that can be faxed

Answer 3

• CPAs (available for design applications only)
• amendments
• declarations
• petitions
• information disclosure statements (IDS)
• terminal disclaimers
• notices of appeal and appeal briefs
• requests for continued examination (RCEs)
• assignment documents
• issue fee transmittals and authorizations to charge deposit accounts

Question 4

things that can’t be faxed

Answer 4

• Correspondence requiring an original signature
• Certified documents
• Correspondence which cannot receive the benefit of the certificate of mailing or transmission except that a continued prosecution application may be transmitted to the Office by facsimile
• Color drawings
• A request for reexamination
• Correspondence to be filed in a patent application subject to a secrecy order and directly related to the secrecy order content of the application
• In contested cases and trials before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, except as the Board may expressly authorize

Question 5

type of drawings and photos allowed via EFS Web

Answer 5

• black and white drawings
• However, photographs, color drawings, grayscale drawings, and other drawings that are not black and white line drawings may be submitted via EFS-Web in only the following types of applications and proceedings:
• -Nonprovisional design patent applications, including reissue design patent applications
• -Provisional applications;
• -Nonprovisional utility patent applications, including reissue utility patent applications;
• -U.S. national stage applications, including reissue utility patent applications;
• -International design applications;
• -Reexamination proceedings for utility or design patents;
• -Supplemental examination proceedings.

-Only black and white photographs, and black and white line drawings, may be submitted via EFS-Web in PCT international applications.

Question 6

small entity status

Answer 6

• 50% reduction of fees wrt to app
  ( basic filing fee, search fee, examination fee, application size fee, and excess claims fees, extension of time, revival, and appeal fees, patent issue fees, and maintenance fees on patents)
• some fees not reduced (dic supply fees, certificate of correction, misc.)
• income reqs

Question 7

micro entity status

Answer 7

• 75% reduction in fees wrt to app
  ( basic filing fee, search fee, examination fee, application size fee, and excess claims fees, extension of time, revival, and appeal fees, patent issue fees, and maintenance fees on patents)
• some fees not reduced (dic supply fees, certificate of correction, misc.)
• income reqs
• app filing limit (4 apps)