Patent Terms Glossary

Workflow Incoming Amendment IFW

Definition:
From Public PAIR/IFW - designates the point in time when an amendment is received in the Office and the paper scanning process may be started at the USPTO; does not indicate whether scanning has actually started.

Pending

Definition:
The period in which the patent office has not yet decided whether to reject or to grant a patent application, and it has not yet been withdrawn

Domestic Representative

Definition:
A person residing within the United States who is appointed by a patentee or assignee of a trademark application or registration that does not reside in or is not domiciled within the United States.

Assignment

Definition:
A transfer of ownership of a patent application or patent from one entity to another. Record all assignments with the USPTO Assignment Services Division to maintain clear title to pending patents.

First to invent

Definition:
In some countries, the applicant who is the first to invent will be awarded the patent over all others.

IFW

Definition:
Image File Wrapper - an electronic version of a patent application, including image and/or text versions of the bibliographic information, all papers as filed, and all office actions and correspondence related to that application.

Bookmark:           
Permalink:  http://S-0.ORG/7CytZ5L

Contact our Patent Professionals to ensure you complete the patent filing process correctly or for violation of your patent rights.