Examination Process: The Path to Patent Approval
What is the Examination Process? The examination process is the series of steps a patent office follows to review a patent application and determine whether the invention meets the criteria
Navigating the world of intellectual property (IP) can be daunting, especially for business leaders and innovators looking to protect their inventions and ideas. That’s why we created this Patent Search Glossary—to help you master the essentials of patent search and IP strategy.
What is the Examination Process? The examination process is the series of steps a patent office follows to review a patent application and determine whether the invention meets the criteria
What is an Office Action? An office action is an official communication from a patent examiner detailing issues, objections, or rejections related to a patent application. It provides feedback on
What is a Patent Examiner? A patent examiner is an official at a patent office responsible for reviewing patent applications to determine whether they meet the requirements for patentability, such
What is a Patent Office? A patent office is a governmental or international organization responsible for examining and granting patents to inventors. These offices assess whether an invention meets the
What is Patent Filing? Patent filing is the process of submitting a patent application to the appropriate patent office to secure legal protection for an invention. Filing marks the official
What is a Patent Application? A patent application is a formal request submitted to a patent office to protect an invention. It provides a detailed description of the invention, demonstrating
What is a Business Method Patent? A business method patent protects a unique method or process for conducting business, typically involving financial transactions, online systems, or customer management techniques. Business
What is a Software Patent? A software patent is a type of utility patent that grants exclusive rights to a specific software process, algorithm, or technical solution. Software patents protect
What is an International Patent? An “International Patent” generally refers to patent protections pursued across multiple countries to secure exclusive rights over an invention worldwide. While no single “global patent”
What is a Provisional Patent? A provisional patent application (PPA) is a preliminary, less formal patent filing that establishes an early filing date for an invention without the need for
What is a Non-Provisional Patent? A non-provisional patent, also known as a utility patent application, is the formal application submitted to the patent office to secure enforceable rights over an
What is a Plant Patent? A plant patent is a type of patent granted to inventors who discover or develop a new and distinct variety of plant. This includes plants
What is a Design Patent? A design patent protects the ornamental or aesthetic aspects of an invention, covering the unique visual appearance rather than the functional elements. Design patents are
What is a Utility Patent? A utility patent is a type of patent that grants exclusive rights to an inventor for the functional and practical aspects of an invention. Unlike
What is a Patent Number? A patent number is a unique identifier assigned to a patent application once the patent is granted. This number serves as a record in the
What is a Patent Term? The “Patent Term” is the length of time for which a patent grants exclusive rights to the inventor or patent holder. Typically, for utility patents,
What is Patent Pending? “Patent Pending” is a status given to inventions after a patent application has been filed but before the patent is granted. This designation serves as a
What is a Description in Patent Applications? The description, also known as the patent specification, is a detailed explanation of the invention provided in a patent application. It forms the
What Are Claims? Claims in a patent application define the specific scope of the legal protection granted to an invention. They are arguably the most critical part of a patent
What is Novelty? Novelty is a fundamental requirement for an invention to be eligible for a patent. An invention is considered “novel” if it is new and different from anything
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