Patent Terms Glossary

Restriction

Definition:
If two or more independent and distinct inventions are claimed in a single application, the examiner may require the applicant to elect (designate) a single invention to which the claims will be restricted.

Final Office Action (rejection)

Definition:
An Office action on the second or any subsequent examination or consideration by an examiner that is intended to close the prosecution of a nonprovisional patent application.

Informal Application

Definition:
An application that has been filed without one or more of the elements required to receive a filing date. The USPTO will return informal applications to applicants.

Disclosure Document

Definition:
A document disclosing an invention, and signed by the inventor or inventors, that is forwarded to the USPTO only as evidence of the date of conception of the invention.

Small Business Concern

Definition:
For purposes of small entity determination per MPEP 509.02 - any business concern meeting the size standards set forth in 13 CFR Part 121 to be eligible for reduced patent fees.

Certificate Of Mailing

Definition:
A certificate for each piece of correspondence mailed, prior to the expiration of the set period of time for response, stating the date of deposit with the U.S. Postal Service.

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