Patent Terms Glossary

Benefit Claim

Definition:
The claiming by an applicant in a nonprovisional application of a benefit of an invention disclosed in a prior-filed copending provisional or nonprovisional application designating.

Pro Se

Definition:
Used to designate an independent inventor who has elected to file an application by themselves without the services of a licensed representative.

Control No.

Definition:
Unique number assigned to a patent reexamination request when it is filed, having a 2-digit series code for ex parte reexamination requests and a 6-digit control number.

Office Action

Definition:
A letter from a trademark examining attorney setting forth the legal status of a trademark application. There are several types of Office actions: examiner’s amendments, priority actions, and suspension inquiry letters.

Patent Pending

Definition:
A phrase that often appears on manufactured items. It means that someone has applied for a patent on an invention that is contained in the manufactured item.

Filing Date

Definition:
The date of receipt in the Office of an application which includes (1) a specification containing a description and, if the application is a nonprovisional application, at least one claim, and (2) any required drawings.

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