FAQs Patent Questions

Question:Does your USPTO database include data on the current fee status and expiration of patents?

Answer:
No, the US Patent Full Text Database does not include this data, but it is available on the PTO Web site. Use the link to the Patent Application Information Retrieval database (PAIR) on the Web database main page.

Question:A design patent protects only appearance of an article,and not its structural or functional features

Answer:
The design patent protects only the appearance of an article, but not its structural or functional features.

Question:The Official Gazette contains information on Expired patents, Patents reinstated and Reissue Applications

Answer:
No. The Official Gazette contains a section at the front of the book called "Patent and Trademark Office Notices." Each week, the following information is published: a. Expired Patents: Patents that expire due to failure to pay required maintenance fees. These patent numbers are published approximately 3 months after expiration. b. Patents Reinstated: Patents reinstated due to the acceptance of a late maintenance fee. c. Reissue Applications: Patents filed as reissues. d. Reexams: Patents requested to be reexamined. e. Certificates of Correction: Patents granted certificates to correct previously published material. f. Summaries of final decisions issued by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

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