MPEP Subject Matter Index (A) – Subject Matter Index

A4 size paper (See alsoPaper size) 608.01; 608.02; 1825; 1826
A.I. series of patents (See alsoPatent) 901.04
Abandoned application (See alsoAbandonment)
1. Accessibility to public 103; 711.04
2. Counting, when processed 711.04(a)
3. Definition 203.05
4. Failure to provide timely notice of foreign filing when nonpublication requested 1124
5. Fee on petition to revive 711.03(c)
6. Issue fee, failure to pay 711.03(c)
7. Matter reproduced in substitute 201.09
8. Ordering 711.04(b); 905.03
9. Papers received, handling 508.02
10. Provisional application 201.04(b); 201.11
11. Reference use 901.02; 2127
12. Referred to in issued patent 103
13. Retention fee 601.01(a)
14. Revival 711.03(c); 1893.02
  1. Provisional application 711.03(c)
15. Storage 711.04(b)
16. When open to the public 103
Abandoned file (SeeAbandoned application and Abandonment)
Abandoned files repository 608.02(c); 707.13; 711.01; 711.04(a); 711.04(b); 905.03
Abandonment (See alsoAbandoned application) 711
1. After allowance 711.05
2. After payment of issue fee 711.01
3. Amendment late 711.02; 714.17
4. Appeal dismissal 1215.04
5. Appeal withdrawal 1215.01 - 1215.03
6. Assignee must consent 711
7. Change of address 711.03(c)
8. Counted as a disposal 1705
9. Date of 711.04(a)
10. Destroys continuity 201.11
11. Express 711; 711.01
  1. Continued prosecution application (CPA) 201.06(d)
  2. Issue fee not paid 711.03(c)
  3. Issue fee paid 711.01; 711.05
12. Failure to file property rights statement 150
13. Failure to pay issue fee 711.03(c)
14. Failure to prosecute 711.02
15. Failure to provide timely notice of foreign filing after non-publication request 1124
16. Formal 711; 711.01
17. Forwarding 711.04(a)
18. Incomplete reply 711.03(a)
19. Invention abandoned 706.02(d); 2134; 2138.03
20. No reply 711; 711.02
21. Notification of 711.02; 711.04(c)
22. Of appeal 1210
23. Of invention 706.02(d); 2134; 2138.03
24. Papers received after 508.02
25. Petition to revive 711.03(c); 711.04(c); 1002.02(c); 1002.02(q); 1002.02(r)
26. Petition to withdraw holding of examiner’s statement 711.03(c); 711.03(d)
27. Prior application 201.06(c)
28. Provisional application 201.04(b); 201.11
29. Pulling 711.04(a)
30. Reconsideration 711.03; 711.03(c)
  1. Failure to respond 711.03(b)
  2. Insufficiency of response 711.03(a)
31. Reissue
  1. Return of surrendered patent 1416
32. Revival 711.03; 711.03(c)
33. Shortened statutory period expired 710.02(d); 711.04(a)
34. Special situations 711.02(b)
35. Termination of proceedings 201.11; 711.02(c)
36. Unavoidable (See alsoPetition) 711.03(c); 711.04(c)
37. Undelivered action 707.13
38. Unintentional (See alsoPetition) 711.03(c); 711.04(c); 1124
39. Withdrawal of holding 711.03(c); 711.04(c)
Abbreviation, periodical citation 707.05(e)
Abbreviature and abstract publication 711.06
1. Citation 711.06(a)
Abstract for defensive publication 711.06
Abstract of international application 1826
Abstract of the disclosure 608.01(b); 1302.01; 1302.04
Abstract publication 711.06
Accelerated examination 708.02
Access (See alsoInspection and Power of attorney)
1. Attorney not of record 402; 405
2. Authorized by Director 104
3. Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) 103
4. Ex parte reexamination file 2232
5. Excluded attorney or agent 105
6. Inter partesreexamination file 2609; 2632.01
7. International application 110
8. Pending application 101; 103; 104; 106; 724.04; 724.04(a); 1128; 1132
9. Petition 103
10. Protested application 1901.05; 1901.07
11. Provisional application 103; 104
12. Published application 1128; 1130
13. Reissue application 724.04(b)
14. Suspended attorney or agent 105
Accounts, Deposit (SeeDeposit account)
Acknowledgment of protest 1901.05
Act (SeeStatutes)
Action (See alsoLetter, Examiner’s)
1. Advisory action 706.07(f); 714.13
2. After another examiner’s action 706.04
3. After Board decision 1214.01; 1214.03 - 1214.07
4. After Board decision reversing examiner 1214.04
5. After Board decision sustaining examiner 1214.06
6. After interference 2308
7. Amendment after final rejection 706.07(f); 714.12; 714.13
8. Citation of references 707.05; 710.06
9. Claim summary 707.07(i)
10. Claims in excess of number of claims previously paid for 714.10
11. Closing prosecution in inter partes reexamination (SeeReexamination, Inter partes: Action closing prosecution)
12. Completeness 707.07; 707.07(a)
13. Copy to applicant 707.12
14. Copies of references 707.05(a)
15. Correctness, Period for reply 710.06
16. Counted 1705
17. Crosses amendment 714.05
18. Date 707.11
19. Examiner’s 707
20. File wrapper endorsement 707.10; 719.01
21. File wrapper entry 707.10
22. Final rejection 706.07 - 706.07(f); 713.09
  1. In reissue applications 1443
23. Foreign priority determination 201.13 - 201.16
24. Formal matter 707.07(a); 707.07(e); 707.07(j); 714.02
25. Forms used 707
26. Incorrect citation of references 710.06
27. Informal application 702.01
28. Mailing 707.12
29. Original in file wrapper 707.10; 707.12
30. Patentability report 705; 705.01(c)
31. Piecemeal examination 707.07(a); 707.07(g)
32. Primary examiner’s personal attention 707.01; 1004
33. Priority determination, foreign 201.13 - 201.16
34. Reissue application file 1430
35. Reply time computation 710.01(a); 710.05
36. Restriction requirement 800
37. Returned 707.13
38. Review
39. Shortened statutory period 710.02; 710.02(b)
40. SPE’s personal attention 707.02
41. Supplemental 710.06; 714.05
42. Suspension (See alsoSuspension) 709
43. Suspension, primary examiner’s attention 1004
44. Suspension, TC Director’s attention 1003
45. Third, SPE reviews 707.02
46. Time limit 710.02; 710.02(c)
Address, Change of correspondence 601.03; 711.03(c)
1. After Allowance 2501
Address, Correspondence (See alsoMail Stop) 403; 2540; 2542
Address, Fee 2540
Address of applicant 605.03
Address of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 501; 502
Address of patent owner 2222; 2622
Address of unavailable inventor 409.03(e)
Administration, Letters of 409.01(b); 409.01(c); 409.01(e)
Administration of oath 604
Administrative instructions, PCT AI
Administrative Patent Judges (SeeBoard of Patent Appeals and Interferences (BPAI))
Administrator or executor 409.01
1. Allowance and issue 409.01(f)
2. Application by, After discharge 409.01(c)
3. Assigned application, Inventor dies 409.01(e)
4. Authority 409.01(b)
5. Consular certificate 409.01(d)
6. Foreign country 409.01(d)
7. Heir 409.01; 409.01(a); 409.01(d)
  1. Prosecution by 409.01(a)
8. Intervention not required 409.01(f)
9. Refuses to sign 409.03(c)
10. Specification form 605.05
Admissions by applicant 706.02(c); 2129; 2133.03(c)
1. Jepson claim 2129
Admissions in reexamination
1. Ex Parte 2217; 2258
2. Inter partes 2617
Advantages over prior art 707.07(f)
Adverse recommendation under 37 CFR 1.312 714.16(d); 714.16(e); 714.19
Advisory action 706.07(f); 714.13
Affidavit (SeeOath and Declaration)
Affidavit, disqualifying commonly owned patent or patent application publication as prior art 718
Affidavit, swearing back of reference (37 CFR 1.131) 706.02(l)(3); 715; 2133.01; 2133.02; 2133.03(c)
1. Acts relied upon, NAFTA/WTO/U.S. 706.02(c); 715.07(c)
2. Best mode, failure to disclose 715.10
3. Co-authorship 715.01(c)
4. Common assignee, reference and application 715.01(b); 718
5. Compared to Rule 1.132 affidavit 715.01
6. Completion of invention 715; 2133.03(c)
7. Conception (SeeConception)
8. Continuing application 201.06(c); 201.06(d)
9. Copies from prior applications 201.06(c)
10. Dedication to public 715
11. Derivation 715.07(c)
12. Diligence (SeeDiligence)
13. Effective filing date 715
14. Exhibit, Disposition 715.07(d)
15. Formal requirements 715.04
  1. Facts and documentary evidence 715.07
  2. Timely presented 715.09
16. Genus-species 715.03
17. Generic claim 715.02
18. Interference testimony used 715.07(b)
19. Overcome patent or publication 715
20. Petition regarding sufficiency 1002.02(c)
21. Prior public use/sale 715.10
22. Priority time charts 2138.01
23. Proper use of 715
24. Reduction to practice (SeeReduction to practice)
25. Reexamination,, ex parte 2258
26. Reexamination, inter partes 2658
27. Reference date to be overcome 715
28. Reference is
  1. Common assignee 715.01(b); 718
  2. Joint patent or published application to applicant and another 715.01(a)
  3. Patent or application publication claiming same invention 715.05; 2138.01
  4. Publication of applicant’s own invention 715.01(c)
29. Sufficiency of 715.08
30. When used 706.02(b); 706.02(l)(3); 715; 2132.01
31. Who may make affidavit 706.02(b); 706.02(l)(3); 715.04
32. Withdrawn rejection 715
Affidavits, traversing rejections (37 CFR 1.132) 716
1. Attorney arguments 716.01(c)
  1. Inoperability of references 716.07; 2145
  2. Reference attributed to applicant 716.10
2. Attribution, of reference to applicant 716.10
3. Commercial success, evidence 716.03
  1. Commensurate in scope with claimed invention 716.03(a)
  2. Derived from claimed invention 716.03(b)
  3. Design applications 716.03(b); 1504.03
  4. Sales figures 716.03(b)
4. Commonly owned patent 718
5. Commonly owned patent application publication 718
6. Comparison with closest prior art 716.02(e)
7. Computer programming cases 2164.06(c)
8. Continuing application 201.06(c); 201.06(d)
9. Copying, evidence 716.06; 1504.03
10. Disclosure, sufficiency 716.09
11. Disclosure, utility and operability 716.08
12. Evidence
  1. Consideration of 716.01
    1. Publications 716.02(g)
  2. Objective 716.01(a)
    1. Compared to opinion evidence 716.01(c)
    2. Probative value 716.01(c)
    3. Weighing against prima facie case 716.01(d); 716.05
  3. Secondary 716.01(b)
  4. Timeliness 716.01
13. Long-felt need 716.04
14. Petition regarding sufficiency 1002.02(c)
15. Reexamination, ex parte 2258
16. Reexamination, inter partes 2658
17. Reference attributed to applicant 716.10
18. Sufficiency of 716.09
19. Synergism 716.02(a)
20. Skepticism of experts 716.05
21. Timeliness 716.01
22. Unexpected results, allegations 716.02
23. Unexpected results, evidence 716.02(a)
  1. Advantages not disclosed or inherent 716.02(f)
  2. Burden on applicant 716.02(b)
  3. Commensurate in scope with claimed invention 716.02(d)
  4. Genus or species 716.02(d)
  5. Range, claimed 716.02(d)
  6. Weighing evidence of 716.02(c)
Affidavits submitted with prior art under 35 U.S.C. 301 in patented files 2205
Affirmation (SeeOath and Declaration)
After final practice 706.07(f)
1. In transitional application 706.07(g)
2. In ex parte reexamination 2272
Agent (SeeAttorney or agent and Power of attorney)
Agent for international application 1807; 1864.04
Aggregation 2173.05(k)
Agriculture, Department of, Plant patents 1608; 1609
Agricultural Research Service 1608; 1609
AIDS/HIV, petition to make special 708.02
Algorithms 706.03(a); 2106; 2164.06(c); 2181
Alien Property Custodian (A.P.C.) publications (See alsoCitation of prior art) 901.06(c)
Allowance and issue (See alsoAllowed application) 1300
1. Abandonment after 711.05
2. All claims allowed, shortened statutory period 710.02(b)
3. Amendment, Examiner’s 1302.04
4. Amendment, Examiner’s, Rule 1.312 1305
5. Amendment after (SeeAmendment: After allowance)
6. Amendment after allowance of all claims 714.14; 1303.01
7. Amendment after D-10 notice 130
8. Amendment at time of 714.15
9. Amendment crossing in mail 714.15
10. Assigned application 307
11. Assignment Division 409.01(b); 1302.11
12. Cancellation of claims after appeal 1214.05; 1214.06; 1215.03
13. Cancellation of nonelected claim by examiner’s amendment 821.01; 821.02
14. Cancellation of nonstatutory claim 1302.04(b)
15. Citation of prior art 1302.12
16. Claim for Official Gazette 1302.09
17. Claim renumbering 608.01(j); 1302.01; 1302.04(g)
18. Claim renumbering, dependent claim 608.01(n); 1302.01
19. Classification 903.07; 903.07(b)
20. Classification change after allowance 903.07
21. Classification in another Technology Center 903.07(b)
22. Copending application
  1. File wrapper/history notations 202.02; 1302.09
  2. Parent application data 1302.04
23. Correction of error after allowance 714.16
24. Cross-reference 903.07(a)
25. D-10 notice 130
26. Deceased inventor, notice of allowance 1303.03
27. Drawing correction 608.02(z); 1302.04; 1303.01
28. Drawing in patented file 608.02(i); 905.03
29. Erasure of markings 1302.01
30. Examiner’s amendment (SeeExaminer’s amendment)
31. File wrapper notation 1302.09
32. Final review 1302
33. Formal matters 714.16; 1302.01
34. Formal matters, examiner’s amendment and changes 714.16; 1302.04
35. Formal matters, specification rewritten 1302.02
36. General review 1302.01
37. Interference 2303.01
38. Interference search 1302.08; 2304.01(a)
39. International classification 903.09
40. Intervention by executor 409.01(f)
41. Issue classification notations 1302.10
42. Issue in another TC without transfer 903.07(b)
43. Jurisdiction of application 1305
44. Listing of references 1302.12
45. Locarno classification designations 903.09(a)
46. Non-compliant amendment, treatment of 714; 1302.04
47. Nonelected claims canceled by examiner’s amendment 821.01; 821.02
48. Nonelected claims eligible for rejoinder 821 - 821.02
49. Notice of Allowability 1302.03
50. Notice of allowance (SeeForm letters and forms: Notice of allowance)
51. Ordering allowed application 1306.03
52. Patentability report, print disposal 608.02(n); 705.01(d)
53. Plant application 1611
54. Printer waiting 1309.02
55. Pro se 707.07(j)
56. Protest against issue 1901
57. Reasons for allowance (SeeReasons for allowance)
58. Record room 905.03
59. Reference listing 1302.12
60. Reissue application 1455
61. Rejection after allowance 706.04; 706.05; 1308.01
62. Rejoinder of claims 821.04; 1302.04(h)
63. Related applications, file wrapper/history notations 202.02; 1302.09
64. Reopening prosecution 1308.01
65. Review by examiner 1302.01
66. Review by primary examiner 903.07
67. Rewritten specification requirement 1302.02
68. Secret application 130; 1304.01
69. Signing file wrapper 1302.13
70. Special 708.01; 710.02(b); 1301
71. Specification, clean copy required 1302.02
72. Statement of invention 1302.01
73. Supplemental oath after 603.01
74. Terminology correspondence of specification and claims 1302.01
75. Title of invention 1302.01
76. Title change by examiner 606.01
77. Title search, continuing application 306
78. Transfer 903.08
79. Undelivered notice of allowance 1303.02
80. Withdrawal from issue (SeeWithdrawal from issue)
81. Withholding from issue, secrecy order application 130; 1304.01
Allowance, Reasons for (SeeReasons for allowance)
Allowed application (See alsoAllowance and issue)
1. Definition 203.04
2. Express abandonment of 711.01
3. File wrapper data 1302.09
4. Ordering 1306.03
5. Rejection 1308.01
6. Suggesting claim for interference 1003
Allowed claim, rejection 706.04
1. By Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences 1213.02
Alpha subclass 903.07
Alteration of application 506
1. After execution prohibited 605.04(a); 608.01
2. Before execution of oath or declaration 601.01(a); 602; 714.21
Alternative phrase in claim (See alsoIndefinite claim) 2173.05(h)
Amended application 203.03
Amended application, inspection for transfer 903.08(c)
Amendment (See alsoReply) 714
1. Accidental entry 714.21
2. Adding excess claims 714.10
3. After abandonment 711.02; 714.17
4. After all claims allowed 714.14
5. After allowance
  1. Approval 714.16; 1002.02(d)
  2. Canceling claim 714.16
  3. Entry in part 714.16(e)
  4. Examiner’s action 714.16; 714.16(d); 714.16(e)
  5. Excess claims 714.16(c)
  6. Formal matters 714.16; 714.16(d)
  7. Handling 714.16(d)
  8. Mailed before allowance 714.15
  9. Motion under Rule 41.208(c)(2) (formerly under Rule 1.633(c)(2)) 714.16(b)
  10. Patentability pointed out 714.16
  11. Reason for adverse action 714.16; 714.16(d)
  12. Renumbering claims 714.16(e)
  13. Secrecy order application 130; 1304.01
6. After examiner’s answer 1210
7. After appeal, before examiner’s answer 714; 1206
8. After Board decision 1002.02(d); 1214.01; 1214.06; 1214.07
9. After death of attorney or agent 406
10. After final rejection 706.07(f); 714.12; 714.13
  1. Examiner determines compliance with 1.121; 714.18
  2. Non-compliant amendment, treatment of 714
11. After final rejection, entered in part 714.20
12. Applicants must sign 714.01(a)
13. At allowance 714.15
14. Attorney not of record 405; 714.01(c)
15. Basis in disclosure 608; 706.03(c); 2163.03; 2163.07
16. Before first action 608.04(b); 714.01(e)
17. Board rejection avoided 1214.01
18. By replacement paragraph or section 714
19. By substitute specification 714
20. Canceled matter restored 608.01(s); 714
21. Canceling all claims 706.07(h); 711.01; 714.19
22. Canceling appealed claims 1215.01 - 1215.03
23. Claim added, terminology basis 608.01(o); 2163.03; 2163.07
24. Claim numbering 608.01(j); 1302.01; 1302.04(g)
25. Claims
  1. Added in excess of number of claims previously paid for 607; 714.10; 714.16(c)
  2. Clean version 714; 714.13; 714.16
  3. Marked-up version 714
  4. Status Identifiers 714
26. Complete reply required 714.02; 714.04
27. Consolidating pending claims 714; 714.13; 714.16
28. Copier copies 714.07
29. Copying patent claim (SeeClaim presented corresponding to claim of patent)
30. Crossing mailing of allowance 714.15
31. D-10 notice preceding 130
32. Date of receipt 505; 710.01(a); 714.18
33. Date stamp
  1. Office date 505; 710.01(a); 714.18
  2. TC receipt date 714.18
34. Declaration 602.01
35. Defective, directions for entry 714.20
36. Discharged attorney or agent 714.19
37. Disapproval of preliminary amendment 714.01(e); 1002.02(d)
38. Disapproval of second or subsequent reply 714.03(a)
39. Discourteous 714.19; 714.25
40. Drawing 608.02(p); 608.02(q); 1302.05; 1303.01
  1. In reissue application 1413
41. Drawing, disposition 608.02(x)
42. Drawing, new matter 608.04; 714.19
43. Duplicate 719.01(a)
44. Easily erasable paper forbidden 714.07; 714.19
45. Entered in part 714.20
46. Entered in part, after allowance, 37 CFR 1.312 714.16(e)
47. Entry 714.18; 719.01(a)
48. Entry denied 714.17; 714.19; 714.21
  1. Appeal case 1206; 1214.07
  2. Drawing correction 608.02(x)
  3. Drawing new matter 608.04
  4. List 714.19
  5. Paper number 714.21
  6. Period for reply expired 714.17
  7. Preliminary amendment 714.01(e)
  8. Second (or subsequent) supplemental reply 714.03(a)
  9. Substitute specification unnecessary 714.19; 714.20
  10. Unduly interferes with preparation of Office action 714.03(a)
49. Entry directions 714
  1. Defective 714
50. Entry inadvertent 714.21
51. Entry in ex parte reexamination 2234
52. Entry in inter partes reexamination 2670
53. Examiner’s (SeeExaminer’s amendment)
54. Excess claims added 714.10; 714.16(c)
55. Facsimile 502.01
56. Fees, additional 710.02(c)
57. File wrapper endorsement 714.18; 719.01
58. Filed with application 601.01(a)
59. Formal matters, compliance with 714.02
60. Fully responsive 714.02
61. Heading 502
62. Immediate inspection 714.05
63. Improper signature 714.01(a); 714.01(c); 714.01(d)
  1. Ratification 714.01(a)
64. Inaccurate 707.07(h)
65. Incomplete reply 711.02(a); 711.03(a); 714.02 - 714.04; 2266.01; 2666.30; 2671
  1. Time for completing 710.02(c); 714.03; 2266.01; 2666.30
66. Increasing claims in excess of number of claims previously paid for 714.10; 714.16(c)
67. Ink, not permanent 714.07
68. Inspection by examiner 714.05
69. Inventorship (SeeCorrection of inventorship)
70. Jurisdiction of application not with examiner 714.16; 714.19; 1305
71. Late 710.02(d); 711; 714.17
72. Literature citation in specification 608.01(p)
73. Manner of making 714
74. Motion under 37 CFR 41.208(c)(2), Application in issue 714.16(b)
75. Name change on file wrapper 605.04(c); 719.02(b)
76. New matter 608.04; 706.03(o); 2163.06
77. Non-compliant amendment, treatment of 714; 1302.04
78. Nonentry (See alsoAmendment: Entry denied) 714.19
79. Not entered 714.19; 714.21
80. Not fully responsive 714.02 - 714.04; 2266.01; 2666.30; 2671
81. Not fully responsive, time to perfect reply 710.02(c); 714.03; 2266.01; 2666.30
82. Oath, Original 602.01
83. Objectionable remarks 714.19; 714.25
84. Of claims 714
85. Of specification 714
86. Office date stamp 505; 710.01(a); 714.18
87. Paper number 714.18
88. Patentability pointed out 714.02; 714.04
89. Period for reply ends Sunday or holiday 505; 513; 710.01(a); 710.05
90. Permanent ink required 714.07; 714.19
91. Petition non-entry 1002.02(c)
92. Plant application 1610
93. Post Office address, Applicant 605.03
94. Preliminary 506; 714.01(e)
  1. Canceling all claims 601.01(e); 711.01
  2. Denial of entry 714.01(e)
  3. Excess claims 506; 714.10
  4. Filed with application 714.01(e)
  5. Manner of making 714.01(e)
  6. New matter added 601.01(a); 608.04(b); 702.01
  7. Non-compliant amendment, treatment of 714
  8. PG-Pub application 1121
  9. Referred to in oath/declaration 601.01(a); 602
  10. To lessen filing fee 607
95. Ratification
  1. Signature defective 714.01(a)
96. Receipt 501 - 505; 511; 512
97. Received after allowance 714.15; 1303.01
98. Reexamination 2250; 2666.01; 2672
99. Reissue 714; 1453
100. Requirements of 714.02
101. Residence change 719.02(b)
102. Responsive 714.02; 714.04
103. Return, after entry on file wrapper 719.01
104. Ribbon copy 719.01(a)
105. Rule 1.312 (SeeAmendment: After allowance)
106. Second (or subsequent) supplemental reply 714.03(a)
107. Several filed on same day 714.18
108. Signature improper 714.01(a); 714.01(c); 714.01(d)
109. Signature missing 714.01(a)
110. Signature required 714.01(a)
111. Signed by applicant, not by attorney or agent of record 714.01(d)
112. Signed by attorney or agent not of record 405; 714.01(c)
113. Statement of allowability by Board 1213.01
114. Supervisory primary examiner 714.13; 714.16; 714.18
115. Supplemental 714.03(a)
116. Support by original claim 608.01(l)
117. Telephone number 713.01; 714.01
118. Unduly interferes with preparation of Office action 714.03(a)
119. Unsigned 714.01(a)
  1. Ratification of 710.02(c); 714.01(a)
American Inventors Protection Act (AIPA) (SeeStatutes: Public Law 106-113)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 608.02
Amino acid sequence (SeeBiotechnology and Nucleotide sequences)
Analogous Art 904.01(c); 1302.14; 1504.02; 1504.03; 2131.05; 2141.01(a)
Analysis of claims 904.01
Answer, Examiner’s (SeeExaminer’s answer)
Answer all matters traversed 707.07(f)
Antecedent lacking (See alsoIndefinite claim) 706.03; 1302.01; 2173.05(e)
Anticipation rejection 706.02(a); 707.07(d); 1504.02; 2131; 2132; 2133; 2136
1. Affidavit to overcome 2132.01
2. Analogous art 1504.02; 2131.05
3. Definition of 2131
4. Genus-species 2131.02
5. Generic chemical formula 2131.02
6. Meaning of
  1. "By others" 2132
  2. "In this country" 2132
  3. "Known or used" 2132; 2133.03(a)
  4. "Patented in this or a foreign country" 2132
7. Multiple references, when permitted 2131.01
8. One year grace period 2133
9. On sale (SeeOn sale)
10. Ranges claimed 2131.03
11. Rejections based on publications and patents 2133.02
12. Prima facie case 2132.01
13. Public use (SeePublic use)
14. Secondary considerations, evidence of 2131.04
A.P.C. publications (SeeAlien Property Custodian (A.P.C.) publications)
Apostille (See alsoOath and Declaration) 301; 409.01(b); 602; 602.04; 602.04(a); 604; 604.04(a)
Apparatus, Process or product and 806.05(e) - 806.05(g)
Appeal 1200
1. Abandonment 1210
2. Actions subsequent to examiner’s answer 1210
3. Administrative handling 1203
4. Affidavit after appeal 1206; 1208; 1211.03
5. Amendment after examiner’s answer 1210; 1211.01
6. Amendment before examiner’s answer 1206
7. Amendment for purpose of 714.12; 714.13
8. Amendment makes application allowable 1206
9. Answer, Examiner’s (SeeExaminer’s answer)
10. Brief 1206
  1. In ex parte reexamination 2274
  2. In inter partes reexamination 2675; 2675.01
  3. In reissue 1454
11. By patent owner 1204
12. Cancellation of withdrawn claims 1214.05
13. Civil litigation 1216.02
14. Claims copied from patent, time limit 710.02(c)
15. Claims included 1205; 1205.02
16. Composition of the Board 1202
17. Concurrently with interference 1210
18. Concurrently with prosecution before examiner 1210
19. Conference 1207.01; 1302.14
  1. In inter partes reexamination 2676; 2677
20. Correspondence address for litigation 501; 1216.01
21. Court 1216
22. Court, Federal Circuit 1216.01
  1. Of an inter partes reexamination 2682; 2683
23. Decision by Board 1213
  1. Of an inter partes reexamination 2681; 2682
24. Dismissal 1215.04
25. Examiner reversed 1214.04
26. Examiner sustained 1214.06
27. Examiner’s answer 1207
28. Failure to prosecute appeal 1215.04
29. Fee (See alsoFee) 1204; 1204.01; 1205
30. From Board decision 1216 - 1216.02
31. Inter partesReexamination 2674 - 2680
  1. Flowcharts 2601.01
32. Introduction 1201
33. Jurisdiction 1205.03; 1210
34. Matter subject to ; 706.01
35. Multiplicity rejection 2173.05(n)
36. New ground of rejection by Board 1214.01
37. New ground of rejection by examiner in examiner’s answer 1207.02; 1207.03; 1208
38. New matter affecting claim 608.04(c)
39. Notice of 1204
40. Oral hearing 1209
  1. Reexamination, ex parte 2276
  2. Reexamination, inter partes 2680
41. Order for compliance 1210
42. Patentability report case 705.01(a)
43. Primary examiner’s attention 1004
44. Procedure after Board decision 1214; 1214.01; 1214.03 - 1214.07
45. Protestor participation 1901.07
46. Publication of Board decision 1213.03
47. Real party in interest 1205.02; 1207.02
48. Rehearing by Board 1214.01; 1214.03
49. Reexamination, ex parte 2273
50. Reexamination, inter partes 2674 - 2680
51. Remand by Board 1208; 1210; 1211; 1211.01; 1211.02; 1211.03; 1212; 1213; 1213.02; 1214.01; 1302.14; 2143.03; 2274; 2275; 2681; 2682
52. Remand by Federal Circuit 1216.01
53. Remanded application made special 708.01
54. Reopening of prosecution 1207.05; 1208; 1214.07; 1211.01; 1213; 1213.02; 1214.01; 1214.04; 1214.07
55. Reply brief to examiner’s answer 1208
56. Requirement by board to address matter 1212
57. Secrecy order application 130; 1304.01
58. SIR application 1105
59. Statement of allowability by Board 1213.01
60. Supplemental appeal brief 1207.02
61. Supplemental examiner’s answer 1207.05; 1211
62. Suspension pending civil action or federal circuit appeal in related case 1213
63. Time for filing brief 1205.01
64. Withdrawal 711.02(b); 1215.01; 1215.02
65. Withdrawal of final rejection 1207
66. Withdrawal, partial 1214.05; 1215.03
Appealable matter not petitionable 1002; 1201
Appendix, computer program listing 608.05; 1121
Appendix, multiple claim sets 1121
Applicant (See alsoInventor and Pro se applicant) 605
1. Abandonment notification 711.04(c)
2. Administrator or executor 409 - 409.01(f); 605.05
3. Age, special status 708.02
4. Citizenship 605.01
5. Common, at least one 201.03; 201.11; 706.02(f)(2); 706.02(k) - 706.02(l)(3)
6. Comments on statement of reasons for allowance 1302.14
7. Discourtesy 714.19; 714.25
8. Health, special status 708.02
9. Heir 409.01(a); 409.01(d)
10. International application 1805; 1810; 1817.01; 1820; 1821
11. Joint 201.02; 201.03; 2137.01
12. Mailing address 605.03
13. Name change 605.04(c); 719.02(b)
14. Other than inventor 409 - 409.01(f); 409.03(b)
15. Post Office address 605.03
16. Power to inspect 104; 106
17. Reply (SeeAmendment and Reply)
18. Requirements 2137.01
19. Residence 605.02
20. Self prosecuted application 707.07(j); 713.01
21. Signature 605.04(a); 605.04(e); 605.04(f)
22. Small entity status 509.02
23. Sole 201.01
Application
1. Abandoned (SeeAbandoned application)
2. Abstract of the disclosure 608.01(b)
3. Acceptance of 37 CFR 1.47 409.03(h)
4. Acknowledgment 502.05; 503
5. Address missing 403
6. Allowable except as to form 706; 710.02(b)
7. Allowed
  1. Definition 203.04
  2. File wrapper data 1302.09
  3. Ordering 1306.03
  4. Rejection 706.05; 1308.01
8. Amended definition 203.03
9. Arrangement 601; 608.01(a)
  1. Design application 1503; 1503.01; 1503.02
10. Assigned (See alsoAssignee and Assignment)
  1. Access 106
  2. Allowance 307
  3. Conflicting subject matter 706.02(f)(2); 706.02(k); 706.02(l) - 706.02(l)(3); 706.03(k); 822; 2304.05
  4. Inventor deceased 409.01(e)
11. Assignment for examination
  1. Office of Initial Patent Examination (Office of Patent Application Processing) 504
12. Assignment to examiner for examination 903.08(b)
13. Assignment to Technology Center for examination 504; 903.08; 903.08(e)
14. Background of the invention 608.01(c)
15. Best mode 608.01(h); 706.03(c)
16. Brief description of the drawings 608.01(f)
17. Brief summary of the invention 608.01(d)
18. British English spellings 608.01
19. Certified copy 608.01
20. Claim omitted 601.01(e)
21. Claim terminology 608.01(o)
22. Claims 608.01(i) - 608.01(n); 706.03(k)
23. Clarity and completeness, examiner’s action 707.07
24. Classification in Technology Center 903.08(b)
25. Common ownership 324; 706.02(f)(2); 706.02(k); 706.02(l) - 706.02(l)(3); 709.01; 822
26. Completeness 201.03; 201.06(c); 506; 601.01; 601.01(g); 608.01(p)
27. Conflicting, same applicant 709.01; 804; 822; 822.01
28. Content 600
29. Continuation (See alsoContinuation) 201.07
30. Continuation-in-part (See alsoContinuation-in-part) 201.08
  1. Design 1504.20
31. Continued prosecution (CPA) (See alsoContinued prosecution application (CPA))
  1. Design 201.06(d); 1502.01
32. Continuity between applications 201.11
33. Control of access 101; 103; 106
34. Copendency 201.11
35. Copending, Design 1504.20
36. Correction of inventorship 201.03
37. Cross-noting
  1. Data of parent application in file wrapper or PALM bib-data sheet or PALM database 202.02; 719.02; 719.07; 1302.09
  2. Data of related application, updating 201.11
  3. Foreign application, file wrapper/history notation 202.03
  4. Foreign application, oath 201.14; 202.04
38. Description of the related art 608.01(c)
39. Design (SeeDesign application)
40. Detailed description 608.01(g)
41. Distribution 508
42. Divisional (See alsoDivisional application) 201.06
  1. Design 1504.20
43. Drawings, necessary 601.01(f)
  1. Missing figures 601.01(g)
44. Effective filing date 706.02; 706.02(a)
45. Electronic submission of (EFS-Web) 502.05
46. English language 608.01
47. Examination 700
48. Examples 707.07(l)
49. Facsimile transmission 608.01
50. Fee, filing (See alsoFee) 607
51. Field of the invention 608.01(c)
52. File wrapper continuing (FWC) 201.06(b)
53. Filing date 201.11; 503; 505; 511
  1. EFS-Web 502.05
54. Filing receipt (See alsoPostcard, self-addressed) 503
55. Five year pendency 707.02; 708.01
56. Font 608.01
57. Foreign (See alsoForeign application) 201.13 - 201.16
58. Form 600
59. Government-owned
  1. Special 708.01
60. Incomplete 203.06; 506; 601.01(d); 601.01(e); 601.01(f); 608.01(u)
  1. Definition 203.06; 506
61. Informal 506; 702.01
  1. Definition 506
  2. Primary examiner’s attention required 1004
  3. Search 702.01; 704.01
  4. Special 708.01
62. Inspection 103
63. International (SeeInternational application)
64. International Convention (35 U.S.C. 119) 201.13
65. Invalid oath 604.06
66. Issue fee not paid (abandoned) 711.03(c)
67. Issue simultaneously with another application 1306.02
68. Jurisdiction 1305
69. Mode of operation 608.01(h)
70. National application 201
71. National stage application 201
72. New, definition 203.01
73. Nonprovisional 201.04(a); 506; 601
74. Number 502; 503; 506
  1. Status of application using 101; 102
75. Omitted items 201.17; 601.01(d); 601.01(f); 601.01(g)
76. Ordered examination 707.02; 708; 708.01
77. Overlapping
  1. Common ownership 706.02(f)(2); 706.02(k); 706.02(l) - 706.02(l)(3); 709.01; 715.01(b); 804.03; 822
  2. Same applicant 709.01; 804; 822; 822.01
  3. Subject to joint research agreement 706.02(l)(1) - 706.02(l)(3); 804; 804.02; 804.03; 2136.01; 2141.01
78. Pages missing 601.01(d)
79. Papers, arrangement 719.01(a)
80. Parent 904
81. Parts 600
82. Pending five years 707.02
83. Plant (See alsoPlant patent) 1600
84. Prior art 2121 - 2129
85. Prior art effect of international publication 706.02(a); 1857.01; 1896; 2136.03
86. Priority
  1. Foreign application 201.13; 706.02; 1402; 1504.02; 1504.10
  2. U.S. application 201.11; 706.02
87. Protest 1901
88. Provisional (See alsoProvisional application) 201.04(b); 601; 601.01; 601.01(b); 602; 706.02
89. Public inspection 103
90. Publication (SeePre-Grant Publication (PG-Pub))
91. Publication of abstract 711.06; 711.06(a)
92. Receipt and handling 500
93. Reconstruction 508.04
94. Recording and tracking in Technology Center 1704
95. Referred to in patent, status information 102
96. Refile 201.10
97. Reissue (See alsoReissue application) 1401 - 1470
98. Rejected definition 203.02
99. Relating to atomic energy 115; 150; 151
100. Requisites 702
101. Review 506
102. Right to inspect 103
103. Right of priority, foreign application 201.13
104. Rule 1.60 201.06(a)
105. Rule 1.62 201.06(b)
106. Secrecy order 120; 121; 130
107. Serial number 502; 503
108. Size fee 506; 607; 1415; 1893.01(c)
  1. calculations for EFS-Web submissions 502.05
109. Special (See alsoSpecial application) 707.02; 708 - 708.03
  1. List 708.01
  2. Priority in patent printing 1308
110. Status 102; 203; 1730
  1. Inquiries 203.08
111. Substitute 201.09; 201.10
  1. Definition 201.09
  2. Does not carry ownership from parent 306
  3. File wrapper/history notation 202.02
  4. Reference to parent application 201.09
112. Table submitted on compact disc 608.05(b)
113. Terminology, Claim 608.01(o)
114. Title of invention 606
115. Title of invention, change 606.01; 1302.01; 1302.04
116. Transfer procedure 903.08(d)
117. Transitional (See alsoTransitional application) 706.07(g); 803.03
118. Types (See alsoPatent) 201
119. Utility (See alsoPatent) 201
Application Data Sheet (ADS) 201.11; 601; 601.01(b); 601.05; 602.01; 605.04(b); 605.04(c); 605.04(f); 706.02(b); 1130; 2214; 2266; 2614; 2666
1. Supplemental ADS 601.05
Application Division (SeeOffice of Initial Patent Examination (Office of Patent Application Processing))
Application publication 901.03
1. Citation of 707.05(e)
2. Disqualifying as prior art, commonly owned 718
3. Prior art effect 706.02(a); 901.03; 2163; 2136.03
Arbitration awards notice 311
Argument for allowability lacking in amendment 714.04
Arrangement of application 608.01(a)
Arrangement of art in Technology Centers 901.07
Arrangement, papers in file wrapper 719.01(a)
Art unit number on papers 502
Artifacts in IFW application 608.02
Asexual plants (See alsoPlant patent) 1600
Assigned application
1. Allowance 307
2. Conflicting subject matter 706.03(k); 822
3. Inventor deceased 409.01(e)
4. Nonprovisional application claiming benefit of provisional application 306.01
5. Provisional application 302.03
6. Title report 320
Assignee (See alsoAssigned application and Assignment)
1. Access to an application 104; 106
2. Address 302.05
3. Affidavits under 37 CFR 1.131 715.04
4. Can appoint new power of attorney 402.07
5. Certificate of correction 307; 1480 - 1485
6. Change of inventorship, consent 201.03; 1412.04
7. Common 706.02(f)(2); 706.02(k); 706.02(l) - 706.02(l)(3); 709.01; 822
8. Consent in reissue 1410.01; 1443; 1451
9. Double patenting, same assignee 706.03(k); 804; 822
10. Duty of disclosure 2001.01
11. Entire interest, control 106; 301; 324; 402.07
12. Foreign 302.04
13. Interfering applications, same assignee 709.01
14. Intervention 106; 324; 402.07
15. Multiple Assignees 324
16. Part interest 106.01
17. Patent issues to 307
18. Permitted to take action under 37 CFR 3.73(b) 324
19. Power to inspect 104
20. Printed on PG-Pub 1121
21. Revocation of power of attorney 324; 402.07
22. Small entity 509.02
Assignment 300
1. Access 301.01; 1730
2. Allowance of application 307
3. Assignment identification requirements 302.03
4. Automated Patent and Trademark Assignment System 502.01
5. Change of name 314
6. Conflicting statements of ownership under 37 CFR 3.73(b) 324
7. Continuing application 201.12; 306
8. Copy 301.01; 302.01
9. Corrections in recorded assignment 323; 323.01(b); 323.01(c); 323.01(d)
10. Cover sheet 302.07
  1. Corrections 317.02; 323.01; 323.01(a); 323.01(c)
11. Date of recording 317.01
12. Effect of recording 317.03
13. Electronic submission of (EPAS) 302.10; 502.01; 502.05; 1730
14. Expungement of assignment records 323; 323.01(d)
15. Facsimile submission 302.09; 502.01; 1730
16. Foreign language translation 302.02
17. Indexing 315
18. International application 301
19. Licenses 301; 313
20. Mailing address 302.08; 501
21. Mergers 314
22. Multiple assignees 324
23. Nonprovisional claiming benefit of provisional 306.01
24. Not endorsed on pending applications 303
25. One of several overlapping applications 709.01; 715.01(b)
26. Parent application 201.12; 306
27. Part interest 106.01; 301; 706.02(l)(2)
28. Patent 301; 302.03
29. Patent and trademark assignment system 302.09
30. Pending applications 301; 302.03; 706.02(l)(2); 706.02(l)(3)
31. Plural items 301.01
32. Printing on patent 307; 1309
33. Proof of 706.02(l)(2)
34. Provisional application 301; 302.03
35. Recording 301; 302; 313; 314; 706.02(l)(2); 706.02(l)(3)
36. Recording fee 302.06
37. Records not kept in application file 303; 320
38. Search facilities 1730
39. Security interests 302.07; 313
40. Title reports 303; 320
41. Transfer of rights from/to small entity 509.02
42. Translation 302.02
Assignment Division 320; 605.04(c); 719.02; 1121; 1730
1. Administrator and executor authority checked 409.01(b)
2. Allowance and issue 1302.11
3. Certified Abstract of Title 320
4. Contact information 1730
5. Information available from PALM 320
6. Mailing address 501
7. Title report 320
Assignment of application for examination 504
Assignment of reexamination to examiner
1. Ex parte 2236; 2285; 2648
2. Inter partes 2636; 2648; 2655
Assignment to examiner for examination 903.08(b)
Assistant Commissioner for Patents (SeeCommissioner for Patents)
Assistant Commissioner for Trademarks (SeeCommissioner for Trademarks)
Assistant examiner (SeeExaminer)
Associate attorney 402.02; 406
Associate attorney, correspondence with 403.01
Atomic Energy Act of 1954 120; 706.03(a); 706.03(b)
Atomic energy application 150
Attorney or agent
1. Appointment by assignee of entire interest 106
2. Associate 402.02; 406
3. Compliance with duty of disclosure 2004
4. Conflicting parties having same 404
5. Continuing application 201.06(c)
6. Change of correspondence address 601.03
7. Correspondence with 402; 403
8. Correspondence with associate 403.01
9. Death 406
10. Discourtesy 714.25
11. Duty of disclosure 2001.01; 2002.01
12. Duty to inform patent owner of inter partes reexamination 2622
13. Excluded from practice 105
14. Inspection 104
15. Interfering applications 402.08
16. International application 402.09; 1807; 1808; 1820
17. Interview 408; 713 - 713.10; 1302.14
18. Limited recognition 402.01; 402.09
19. More than one for same applicant 403.02
20. Name on patent 1309
21. Name on reexamination certificate 2287
22. Not of record 402; 405
23. Notarizing oath 604.06
24. Office cannot aid in selection of 401
25. Petition to reinstate 1002.02(m)
26. Post Office address 601.02
27. Power of (See alsoPower of attorney) 402; 406; 2501
  1. In ex parte reexamination 2213; 2222
  2. In inter partes reexamination 2613; 2622
28. Proof of authority in inter partes reexamination 2613
29. Reexamination, ex parte 2210; 2222
30. Reexamination, inter partes 2622; 2623
31. Registered 401; 402
32. Request for limited recognition 1002.02(m)
33. Roster of attorneys and agents 601.03; 1730; 2205; 2220
34. Selection 401
35. Signature of 402
36. Suggested 401
37. Suspended or excluded 105; 407; 714.01(a); 714.19
  1. Communication with 105
  2. Inspection by 105
  3. Interview 105; 713.05
38. Telephone number on letters 713.01; 714.01
39. Telephoned by examiner 408; 713.01; 1302.14
40. Unregistered 402
41. Washington, D.C. area representative 408
42. Withdrawal 402.06; 1002.02(s); 1808
43. Withdrawal after patent granted 2223; 2623; 2501; 2560; 2623
Authentication of oath 604.04(a)
Authentication of e-mail sender 502.03
AuthorIn program (See alsoSequence rules) 2430
Authority of administrator or executor 409.01(b)
Authority of Director, Delegation of 1001.01
Authority of Director, Statutory 1001
Authority to inspect pending application 103
Authorization
1. Credit card payments 509
2. Deposit accounts 509.01
3. Internet electronic mail (e-mail) 502.03
4. Power of attorney 402
Authorship 715.01(c); 716.10
Automated Patent and Trademark Assignment System 502.01
Avoiding double patenting rejection 706.02(k); 804.02; 1490; 2129