The purpose of this booklet is to give the reader some general information about patents and the operations of the Patent and Trademark Office. It attempts to answer many of the questions
commonly asked of the Patent and Trademark Office but is not intended to be a comprehensive textbook on patent law or a guide for the patent lawyer. Consequently, many details are omitted and complications have been avoided as much as possible. It is hoped that this booklet will be useful to inventors and prospective applicants for patents to students, and to others who may be interested in patents by giving them a brief general introduction to the subject.
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Functions of the Patent and Trademark Office      3
Purpose of this Manual         3
What is a Patent?          3
Patent Laws           5
What Can Be Patented         5
Novelty & Other Conditions For Obtaining A Patent     6
The United States Patent And Trademark Office      7
Publications of the Patent and Trademark Office      8
General Information and Correspondence       9
Depository Library, Search Room Searches     11
Attorneys and Agents        16
Disclosure Document        18
Who May Apply For A Patent      18
Application For Patent       19
Oath or Declaration, Signature      20
Filing Fees         20
Specification (description and claims)     21
Drawing         22
Models, Exhibits, Specimens       26
Examination of Applications & Proceedings In The Patent
Trademark Office       27
Amendments to Application       28
Time for Response and Abandonment     30
Appeal to the Board of Patent Appeals and
Interference to the Courts      30
Interference         31
Allowances & Issue of Patent       31
Nature of Patent & Patent Rights      32
Maintenance Fees         33
Correction of Patents        33
Assignments & Licenses       34
Infringement of Patents       36
Patent Marking and Patent Pending      36
Design Patents         37
Plant Patents         37
Treaties and Foreign Patents       39
Foreign Applicants for United States Patents     40
Fees And Payment        42