MPEP Section 2304.01(b), Obtaining Control Over Involved Files

Executive summary:

This document contains Section 2304.01(b) ("Obtaining Control Over Involved Files") of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (the "M.P.E.P."), Eighth Edition, Eighth Revision (July 2010). This page was last updated in January 2011. You may return to the section index to find a particular section. Alternatively, you may search the MPEP using the search box that appears on the left side of every page of BitLaw--you may restrict your search to the MPEP on the search results page.

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2304.01(b) Obtaining Control Over Involved Files [R-4]

Ordinarily applications that are believed to interfere should be assigned to the same examiner.

I.    IN DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGY CENTERS

If the interference would be between two applications, and the applications are assigned to different Technology Centers (TCs), then one application must be reassigned. Ordinarily the applications should both be assigned to the TC where the commonly claimed invention would be classified. After termination of the interference, further transfer may be appropriate depending on the outcome of the interference.

II.    PAPERS NOT CONVERTED TO IMAGE FILE WRAPPER FILES

Although the official records for most applications have been converted into Image File Wrapper (IFW) files, some records exist only in paper form, particularly older benefit application files. Even IFW files may have artifact records that have not been converted. Complete patent and benefit files are necessary for determining whether benefit should be accorded for purposes of 35 U.S.C. 102(g)(1). A suggested interference must not be referred to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (Board) if all files, including benefit files, are not available to the examiner in either IFW format or paper.

If a paper file wrapper has been lost, it must be reconstructed before the interference is referred to the Board.

III.    PATENT COOPERATION TREATY APPLICATION FILES

Generally, a separate application file for a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application is not required for according benefit because the PCT application is included in a national stage application file that is itself either the application involved in the interference or a benefit file. Occasionally, however, the PCT application file itself is required for benefit. For instance, if benefit is claimed to the PCT application, but not to a national stage application in which it is included, then the PCT application file must be obtained.<

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