Information Sources

I.

IN GENERAL

General information about patents, trademarks, products and services

offered by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and other related

information is available by contacting the USPTO Contact Center at:

800-PTO-9199 or 571-272-1000

(TDD) 571-272-9950

An automated message system is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

providing informational responses to frequently asked questions and the ability to order

certain documents. Customer service representatives are available to answer questions,

send materials or connect customers with other offices of the USPTO from 8:30 a.m. -

8:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday (excluding federal holidays).

For other technical patent information needs, the Inventors Assistance

Center can be reached through customer service representatives at the above numbers,

Monday through Friday (except federal holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.

General information can also be obtained in person from the Public

Search Facilities of the USPTO. See subsection IV. below.

II.

USPTO INTERNET SITE

A.

General Information

The USPTO website (

www.uspto.gov

) provides a wealth of information to all users. The

USPTO website offers links to news and notices (such as announcements, press

releases,

Official Gazette

Notices and

Federal

Register

Notices), USPTO contacts and addresses, activities and

education related pages (such as the PTDL program and the Kids Pages), patent

specific information (such as issued patents and published patent applications,

general information pertaining to applying for a patent, electronic filing of patent

applications, and reference materials such as the MPEP and examination guidelines),

and trademark specific information (such as the Trademark Manual of Examining

Procedure and the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS))

patent

specific information (such as issued patents and published patent applications,

general information pertaining to applying for a patent, electronic filing of patent

applications, and reference materials such as the MPEP and examination guidelines),

and trademark specific information (such as the Trademark Manual of Examining

Procedure and the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)). In addition, the

website allows downloading of a variety of USPTO forms (including PCT forms),

ordering copies of patents and trademarks, accessing a list of all current fees,

paying patent maintenance fees, replenishing deposit accounts, accessing various

legal materials, linking to related websites, etc.

B.

Electronic Business

The Patent Electronic Business Center (EBC) assists USPTO customers

with electronic patent application submissions via the USPTO patent electronic filing

system and with the review of patent applications in Private PAIR. The EBC offers

online electronic filing information, instructional material, PatentIn and Checker

support and is available to assist users through one-on-one support during its normal

business hours. The EBC also serves as a liaison in directing customers to other

USPTO organizations that can address their specialized business issues and needs. The

hours of operation of the EBC are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. - midnight (ET). The

EBC can be reached by telephone at 866-217-9197 (toll-free) or 571-272-4100. The EBC

may be reached by email at ebc@uspto.gov and by fax at 571-273-0177.

1.

USPTO Databases

(a)

Issued Patents

The Patent Grants Database provides access to the full-text of

all U.S. patents issued since 1976, and to the full-page images of all U.S.

patents issued since 1790.

(b)

Published Applications

The Patent Applications Database provides both full-text and

full-page images of all U.S. patent applications published since March 15,

2001.

and by fax at 571-273-0177.

1.

USPTO Databases

(a)

Issued Patents

The Patent Grants Database provides access to the full-text of

all U.S. patents issued since 1976, and to the full-page images of all U.S.

patents issued since 1790.

(b)

Published Applications

The Patent Applications Database provides both full-text and

full-page images of all U.S. patent applications published since March 15,

2001.

(c)

Status Information

Status information relating to patent applications is

available through Patent Center and Private Patent Application Information

Retrieval (PAIR). In Patent Center, information is available relating to issued

patents, published patent applications, and applications to which a patented or

published application claims domestic priority. In Private PAIR, an applicant

(or a registered practitioner with power of attorney) can securely track the

progress of the applicant's application(s) through the USPTO. Private PAIR

makes available information relating to unpublished patent applications, but

the applicant must associate a Customer Number with the application to obtain

access. See

MPEP

§ 403

for Customer Number practice.

(d)

Image File Wrapper (IFW)

The Image File Wrapper (IFW) system uses image technology to

replace the paper processing of patent applications in the Office. Paper

components of these application files (including the specification, oath or

declaration, drawings, information disclosure statements, amendments, Office

actions, and file jacket notations) have been scanned to create electronic

image files. For patent applications in the IFW system, the IFW file is the

Official file and no access is granted to the original paper document sheets

used to create the IFW file. All processing and examination is conducted using

the electronic images instead of the paper source documents

re statements, amendments, Office

actions, and file jacket notations) have been scanned to create electronic

image files. For patent applications in the IFW system, the IFW file is the

Official file and no access is granted to the original paper document sheets

used to create the IFW file. All processing and examination is conducted using

the electronic images instead of the paper source documents.

If an IFW file has been created for a patented application,

published application, or an application to which a patented or published

application claims domestic priority, the IFW file (with the exception of

non-patent literature) is accessible through Patent Center and Private PAIR.

All patent applications filed after June 30, 2003 have been scanned into the

IFW system and will be available in Patent Center and Private PAIR as soon as

they have been published or patented. Non-patent literature (NPL) may be viewed

using Private PAIR (if an IFW file has been created) or obtained from the

Patent and Trademark Copy Fulfillment Branch of the Public Records

Division.

Questions about IFW images viewed in Private PAIR should be

directed to the Patent EBC.

(e)

Assignments on the Web (AOTW)

Assignment information is available for issued patents and

published applications recorded since August 1980. AOTW is available at

www.uspto.gov/patent/laws-and-regulations/

power-attorney-and-assignment/assignments-web-aotw

.

Questions or concerns regarding the data displayed may be directed to the

Assignment Services Division at assign@uspto.gov or 571-272-3350.

(e)

Assignments on the Web (AOTW)

Assignment information is available for issued patents and

published applications recorded since August 1980. AOTW is available at

www.uspto.gov/patent/laws-and-regulations/

power-attorney-and-assignment/assignments-web-aotw

.

Questions or concerns regarding the data displayed may be directed to the

Assignment Services Division at assign@uspto.gov or 571-272-3350.

(f)

Global Dossier Public Access

Global Dossier Public Access provides secure,

online, one-stop access to and management of dossier information of all

applications that comprise a family and that have been filed in multiple

participating patent offices. This includes the IP5 Offices, international

applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), as well as patent

applications from World Intellectual Property Organization-Centralized Access

to Search and Examination (WIPO-CASE) participating offices. Global Dossier

includes a Citation List that provides a comprehensive listing of relevant

citations in related applications that share a common priority claim. By using

this service, examiners are able to view Office actions (along with machine

translations), citations, and classification data for those applications in

real time. In addition, Global Dossier provides Office action Indicators to

assist examiners quickly identify applications that contain Office actions. See

www.wipo.int/case/en/

for additional information regarding

WIPO-CASE. For more information regarding the Global Dossier see

www.uspto.gov/GlobalDossier

.

2.

Transacting Electronic Business

(a)

Filing Applications and Other Documents

The USPTO patent electronic filing system allows customers to

electronically file patent application documents securely via the Internet. See

the Legal Framework for Patent Electronic System

(

www.uspto.gov/ patents-application-process/

filing-online/legal-framework-efs-web

)

for submissions via EFS-Web. See also

MPEP §

502.05

.

cting Electronic Business

(a)

Filing Applications and Other Documents

The USPTO patent electronic filing system allows customers to

electronically file patent application documents securely via the Internet. See

the Legal Framework for Patent Electronic System

(

www.uspto.gov/ patents-application-process/

filing-online/legal-framework-efs-web

)

for submissions via EFS-Web. See also

MPEP §

502.05

.

(b)

Paying Fees and Replenishing Deposit Accounts

The Office of Finance Online page Fees Self-Service Portal

available at

www.uspto.gov/FinancialManager

may be used to access the

Patent Maintenance Fees Storefront to pay maintenance fees, the Financial

Manager to maintain and replenish deposit account, or the current USPTO Fee

Schedules.

(c)

Ordering Copies and Publications

Copies of patent applications as filed and patent file

wrappers that have been issued or published are available online from the

Certified Copy Center (CCC) Storefront at the MyUSPTO log in link

(

https://my.uspto.gov

) or at

https://certifiedcopycenter.uspto.gov

. Presentation patents

(a certified copy of the first page of an issued patent having a special ribbon

and seal available for commemorative purposes) may also be ordered. Contact the

Patent and Trademark Copy Fulfillment Branch of the Public Records Division at

1-800-972-6382 or 571-272-3150 for more information.

III.

PCT

For questions and information concerning the Patent Cooperation Treaty

(PCT), the PCT Help Desk is available to provide assistance and may be reached by

telephone at 571-272-4300 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (ET), Monday

through Friday, or by facsimile at 571-273-0419, 24 hours a day. In addition, helpful

information is available through the Internet at the International Patent Legal

Administration page of the USPTO website at

www.uspto.gov/PatentCooperationTreaty

and at the World Intellectual

Property Office website (

www.wipo.int/portal/en/index.html

).

IV

etween the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (ET), Monday

through Friday, or by facsimile at 571-273-0419, 24 hours a day. In addition, helpful

information is available through the Internet at the International Patent Legal

Administration page of the USPTO website at

www.uspto.gov/PatentCooperationTreaty

and at the World Intellectual

Property Office website (

www.wipo.int/portal/en/index.html

).

IV.

USPTO SEARCH AND INFORMATION RESOURCE FACILITIES

The following USPTO search and information resource facilities are

accessible to the public:

(A) Public Search Facility (Madison East, first floor, 600 Dulany

St., Alexandria, VA 22314) at 571-272-3275

(Hours: Weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., ET);

(B) Scientific and Technical Information Center

(1) Main Library (Remsen Bldg., first floor, 400 Dulany St.,

Alexandria, VA 22314) at 571-272-3547

(2) Biotech/Chemical Library (Remsen 1D58) at 571-272-2520

(Hours: Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ET); and

(C) Application Assistance Unit (AAU) may be reached via email at

HelpAAU@uspto.gov or via phone at 571-272-4000 or toll free at 888-786-0101.

(Hours: Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., ET).

V.

REGISTERED PRACTITIONERS

The USPTO cannot recommend any particular attorney or agent, or aid in

the selection of an attorney or agent. See

MPEP § 401

. A list of

Attorneys and Agents Registered to Practice Before the U.S. Patent and

Trademark Office

is available on the USPTO website at

www.uspto.gov/FindPatentAttorney

.

VI.

MISCELLANEOUS

A.

Recently Filed Applications

For information and questions concerning recently filed patent

applications and filing receipts, contact the Application Assistance Unit at

571-272-4200 (hours: weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ET).

B.

Pre-Grant Publication

For inquiries concerning projected pre-grant publication dates,

contact the Application Assistance Unit at 571-272-4200.

C.

Status Information

Status information relating to patent applications is available

through Patent Center or Private Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR)

lication Assistance Unit at

571-272-4200 (hours: weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ET).

B.

Pre-Grant Publication

For inquiries concerning projected pre-grant publication dates,

contact the Application Assistance Unit at 571-272-4200.

C.

Status Information

Status information relating to patent applications is available

through Patent Center or Private Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR).

Alternatively, applicants may contact the Application Assistance Unit at

571-272-4200.

D.

Correspondence

For information pertaining to mail, facsimile, or hand-delivery of

correspondence to the USPTO, see

MPEP §§ 502

-

502.01

. For

information pertaining to Internet electronic mail (email) correspondence with the

USPTO, see

MPEP §

502.03

.

E.

Copies of Documents

Inquiries regarding certified or uncertified copies of documents,

including patent applications-as-filed, patent related file wrappers, and patent

copies, should be directed to the Public Records Division's (PRD) Patent and

Trademark Copy Fulfillment Branch Customer Service at 571-272-3150 or 1-800-972-6382.

The Certified Copy Center (CCC) Storefront allows USPTO customers to order certified

copies from both published and unpublished patent applications. The CCC Storefront

provides a one-stop shop solution for certified copies of documents from both

published and unpublished patent applications by including a mechanism for customers

to demonstrate their authority to access unpublished patent documents. Access to the

CCC Storefront is located at the MyUSPTO log in link (

https://my.uspto.gov

) or at

https://certifiedcopycenter.uspto.gov

. Customers will need to

have an USPTO.gov account to access the CCC Storefront.

F.

Maintenance Fees

Information regarding maintenance fees may be obtained from the

Private Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system on the USPTO website,

or by contacting the Receipts Accounting Division at 571-272-6500. See

MPEP §

2570

for additional information.

G

https://certifiedcopycenter.uspto.gov

. Customers will need to

have an USPTO.gov account to access the CCC Storefront.

F.

Maintenance Fees

Information regarding maintenance fees may be obtained from the

Private Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system on the USPTO website,

or by contacting the Receipts Accounting Division at 571-272-6500. See

MPEP §

2570

for additional information.

G.

Assignments

For questions pertaining to filing assignments or other documents

affecting title, contact Assignment Recordation Branch at 571-272-3350 or email

questions to EPAS@uspto.gov. Documents may be submitted to the Assignment Branch by

facsimile at 571-273-0140. See

MPEP § 302.09

for additional

information.

H.

Petitions

Petitions regarding the filing of patent applications, revival of

abandoned applications, reinstatement of expired patents, withdrawal of patent

applications from issue, small entity entitlement, review of previous decisions of

the Technology Centers, suspension of regulations, and questions not specifically

provided for by regulations are administered by the Office of Petitions. See

MPEP §

1002.02(b)

. For matters decided by the Office of Petitions,

the appropriate USPTO personnel may be reached at the Petitions Help Desk at

571-272-3282.

Resource information and reference materials regarding

petitions handled by the Office of Petitions are available at

www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/petitions

. The website also describes

various ways available to file petitions, including EFS-Web, mail (United States

Postal Service (USPS) and non-USPS), ePetition, facsimile, and hand carry. Note that

a petition to withdraw an application from issue may be filed as an ePetition or sent

by facsimile to 571-273-0025 (all other facsimile transmissions to the Office of

Petitions should be sent to the Central FAX Number 571-273-8300). Urgent petitions to

withdraw an application from issue may also be filed as an ePetition.

I

rvice (USPS) and non-USPS), ePetition, facsimile, and hand carry. Note that

a petition to withdraw an application from issue may be filed as an ePetition or sent

by facsimile to 571-273-0025 (all other facsimile transmissions to the Office of

Petitions should be sent to the Central FAX Number 571-273-8300). Urgent petitions to

withdraw an application from issue may also be filed as an ePetition.

I.

PatentIn

For help related to downloading the PatentIn software program or

using PatentIn, contact the Patent Electronic Business Center at 866-217-9197 or via

email at ebc@uspto.gov (see subsection II.B. above). See

MPEP § 2430

for

additional information.

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