PATENT PROSECUTION BEFORE THE U.S. PTO-HELPFUL HINTS

Abraham HERSHKOVITZ

1. Quality applications when filing and before first examination

    1. Use appropriate PTO format
    2. Ready for publication
    3. Broad and narrow claims

2. Prosecution

    1. Eliminate adversarial relationship with Examiner
    2. New Amendment format beginning 30 July, 2003
    3. Certificate of Mailing or Transmission
    4. Information Disclosure Statements
    5. Small Entity status
    6. Personal or telephone interview with Examiner
    7. Appeals
    8. Petitions
    9. Patent Term Adjustment
    10. RCE’s, Elimination of CPA’s
    11. Timely Claim of Priority
    12. Biotechnology and Chemical practice tips when drafting spec.
    13. Requests to have response period reset

3. Use of Internet

    1. MPEP
    2. List of registered attorneys and agents
    3. PTO Notices
    4. Patents and published applications
    5. PAIR
    6. Maintenance Fees
    7. Assignments

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