Patent Branch Client Service Commitment

• For patent applications which include a self-addressed return card, we will mail a "filing acknowledgement" within 10 working days from the date of receipt of the application.
  
  
• For patent applications meeting filing requirements, we will issue a "filing certificate" within 12 weeks from the date of receipt of the application.
  
  
• We will issue an ownership "registration certificate" within 12 weeks from the date of receipt of documentation meeting registration requirements.
  
  
• We will provide substantive examination within 24 months from the receipt of an examination request filed after August 1, 1996.
  
  
• We will state, in the first examiner's report, all known objections to patentability at the time of examination.
  
  
• We will issue a patent within 12 weeks after receipt of final fees.
  
  
• We will classify incoming patent documents according to the International Patent Classification system to ensure retrievability.
  
  
• We will continue to improve the quality and timeliness of our services.
  
  

Suggestions, Comments and Complaints

• We welcome your comments, questions and complaints. Contact the Director by telephone at (819) 997-1215, or by facsimile at (819) 994-1989.
  
  
• For information on the processing of applications, please refer to "How Your Patent Application is Processed" sheet.
  
  

Barney de Schneider
Director, Patent Branch
January 2004