MPEP Section 1002.01, Procedure

Executive summary:

This document contains one section of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (the "M.P.E.P."), Eighth Edition, Fifth Revision (August 2006). This page was last updated in July 2007. You may return to the section index to find a particular section. Alternatively, you may search the MPEP use the search box that appears on the bottom of every page of BitLaw--be sure to restrict your search to the MPEP in the pop-up list.

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1002.01 Procedure

Petitions, together with the respective application files, are sent to the official having the delegated authority to decide the petition. The petition may be referred to the examiner for a formal statement under 37 CFR 1.181(c) or for an informal memorandum. See MPEP § 711.03(d).

Where a formal statement under 37 CFR 1.181(c) is made, a copy thereof is mailed to the petitioner by the examiner unless the examiner is otherwise directed, and the application file and petition, accompanied by the original copy of his or her statement, are returned to the official handling the petition. If an informal memorandum is requested, no copy thereof is mailed to the petitioner by the examiner.

After the decision has been rendered, the decision is entered on the "Contents" of the application file wrapper which is then returned to the primary examiner, who will act in accordance with the decision.