Things you can and cannot do in the patent office Flashcards
What can’t you do ethically?
lie to, cheat on or steal from your clients or the Patent Office. Ignore potential conflicts between current and former clients.
When can you not file a response to an action at the USPTO?
After six months (six month rule) (Rule 1.134)
When can you no longer broaden claims on a reissue application?
you cannot file a broadening reissue more than two years after the issue date of the patent. (35 USC Section 251)
When can you not get an interview with an examiner?
You cannot seek an interview prior to the issuance of an office action unless the application is a continuation (MPEP 713.02)
When can you not file outside of the US?
File a patent application in a foreign country without having obtained or been given a foreign filing license, unless the invention was made in another country (MEPE 140)
What can you not do as a matter of right after final Rejection?
Cannot add additional claims or present new issues MPEP 714.12
Can you alter an application after oath or declaration executed? What is the exception?
No, you cannot alter an application after it has been executed by the inventor(s) and file the application with that same oath or declaration (unless that oath still applies to the altered application) MPEP 605.04(a)
When can you not suspend prosecution
You cannot ask that prosecution be suspended while an action is outstanding, or for an indefinite time MPEP 709
What can you not do when responding to an office action including rejections and/or objections
you cannot respond to some rejections and objections on the merits in an official action, and ask that the rest be deferred. You must respond to all rejections and objections. MPEP 714.02, Rule 1.134
When can you not file an appela?
you cannot appeal a first rejection, except in a continuation application where the first action has been made final. MPEP 1205, 706.07(b)
Can you obtain an earlier filing date earlier than the delivery of an application to the Office using Federal Express or other courier service?
No you can only receive a filing date on the date of execution and courier service by Priority Mail Express. All other courier services will receive a filing date when received by the Office. MPEP 513, Rule 1.53
Cna you add new matter?
No
Can you record an assignment that is not in English?
No you cannot record an assignment that is not in English unless it is accompanied by a translation, and it must identify the application or patent by the filing date and serial number or by the patent number. MPEP 302.01, .02, .03
Can you file continuations if an application is not copending with its parent?
No, you must file a continuation, divisional, or CIP application which is not copending with its parent. MPEP 201.11, 35 USC Section 120
Can you file more than one claim in a designapplication?
You can only file one single formal claim in a design application. MPEP 1503
Can you file an application without drawings?
You can file an application without drawings if it is not needed to understand the invention. You must file drawings where they are necessary to understand the invention. MPEP 506, Section 112
Can you file a plant patent on a plant found in the wild or a tuber, or which has not been asexually reproduced?
No you cannot file a plant patent on a tuber, plant found in the wild, or one which has not been asexually reproduced. MPEP 1600
What access can you get to an unpublished abandoned application?
You cannot obtain access to an unpublished abandoned application unless it is mentioned in an issued patent or other special circumstances apply. MPEP 103
Do you have to make an election in a restriction requirement?
Yes you must make an election in a restriction requirement even if you are traversing it. MPEP 818
File an application that does not disclose enough for a POSITA to practice invention, no best mode, no written description?
you must file an application that discloses enough for one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention and discloses the best mode of carrying out the invention and contains a written description of the invention. MPEP 608.01(h), Section 112
Can you share information disclosed in confidence?
You cannot tell anyone information which has been disclosed to you in confidence by a client without permission of that client. 37 Part 11
Multiple dependent claims that depend from multiple dependent claims?
No, you cannot submit a multiple dependent claim which depends from another multiple dependent claim either directly or indirectly. MPEP 608.01(n)
Can you get an automatic six month extension?
No, you cannot ask for an automatic six month extension of time. MPEP 710.02(e), Rule 1.136(a)
Can you withdraw from a client at any time?
You cannot withdraw from representing a client in a pending application without the permission of the Commissioner of Patents. MPEP 402.05, 402.06, Rule 1.36
Can you argue things that are not in the claims?
You cannot argue that a claim is patentable because of a feature or limitation which is not in the claim.
Is there a time limit to obtain a refund as a small entity?
You cannot obtain a refund as a small entity after three months have passed since the date a large entity fee was paid. MPEP 509.03
What can you file a request for reexamination on?
You cannot file a request for reexamination based upon anything other than prior art and prior patents or publications. MPEP 2217
Can you file one paper and ask that copies of it are placed in other applications?
No you cannot file one paper in an application and ask that copies be placed in the files of other applications. MPEP 502, Rule 1.5
What can you not swear back of?
You cannot swear back of (antedate) a pre-AIA Section 102(b) rejection
Can you submit a paper that is being filed for the sole purpose of delay or is not authorized by the client?
You cannot file any paper which is submitted for an improper purpose. Rule 11.18(b)
Can you find an examiner at the patent Office after 4pm on a Friday?
No
Can you obtain an automatic extension of time in a reexamination?
No. MPEP 2265, Rule 1.136(a)
Can you locate a DVD player at the Office?
No, u you can show a DVD in an interview if it has a bearing on an outstanding issue and will advance prosecution. MPEP 713.01
Can you submit a multiple dependent claim that combines other claims inclusivvely?
No you cannot submit multiple dependent claims which combines other claims such as an apparatus as in claim 1 and 2. MPEP 607, 608.01(n)
Can you extend the payment of an issue fee?
you cannot obtain an extension of time to pay an issue fee. MPEP 711.03(c), Rule 1.316(a)
Can you submit broader claims in a reexamination prosecution?
you cannot submit broader claims in a reexamination prosecution. MPEP 2250, Rule 1.121(f)
Can you extend the time you file an IDS?
You cannot obtain an extension of time to file an IDS. MPEP 609
Can you transfer drawings from one pending application to another application?
you cannot transfer drawings from one pending application to another without demonstrating hardship. MPEP 608.02(i)
Can you amend an inventor’s oath or declaration
No.
Can you file a petition to revive an application that is abandoned by failure to respond to an OA?
You cannot petition to revive such an application without submitting a response to that action, or filing a continuation. MPEP 711.03, Rule 1.137
Can you deliberately abandon and revive an application?
you cannot revive an application which was deliberately abandoned or correct any mistake or error which was made deliberately. MPEP 711.03(c)
Can you file a continuation instead of a response?
You cannot file a continuation application instead of a response unless you also file a request for extension so that the continuation and parent are copending. MPEP 201.11