PPC Technology & Digital Tools 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which USPTO online tool allows practitioners to retrieve the full file history of a patent application, including all correspondence between the applicant and examiner?
- Patent Full-Text Database
- Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) (Correct answer)
- Patent Center Document Upload
- ePCT System
Correct answer: Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR)
Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) provides access to the complete prosecution history of both pending and granted patent applications.
Question 2: When docketing a Response to Office Action with a three-month statutory deadline, which calendar calculation method must the paralegal apply under USPTO rules?
- Calendar days from the mailing date of the Office Action (Correct answer)
- Business days from the date of receipt
- Calendar days from the date of filing the previous response
- Business days from the mailing date of the Office Action
Correct answer: Calendar days from the mailing date of the Office Action
USPTO deadlines for Office Action responses are counted in calendar months or days from the mailing date shown on the Office Action.
Question 3: A patent paralegal needs to conduct a freedom-to-operate (FTO) search. Which database combination provides the broadest coverage of prior art including non-US patents?
- USPTO Patent Full-Text Database only
- Google Patents and Espacenet combined (Correct answer)
- PAIR system and USPTO PTAB portal
- Patent Center and Assignment Database only
Correct answer: Google Patents and Espacenet combined
Google Patents combined with Espacenet (EPO's free database) offers broad international patent coverage essential for a thorough FTO search.
Question 4: In Patent Center, what file format is required for submitting drawings in a new patent application?
- JPEG only
- PDF or TIFF (Correct answer)
- PNG or BMP
- SVG or EPS
Correct answer: PDF or TIFF
USPTO Patent Center requires drawings to be submitted as PDF or black-and-white TIFF files meeting specific resolution requirements.
Question 5: Which electronic system does the USPTO use specifically for filing PCT applications and transmitting documents to the International Bureau?
- EFS-Web
- Patent Center
- ePCT (Correct answer)
- PAIR Pro
Correct answer: ePCT
ePCT is the WIPO electronic filing system used to file and manage PCT international applications and transmit documents to the International Bureau.
Question 6: A docketing software alert shows a patent issue fee is due in 7 days but the attorney is unavailable. What is the paralegal's most appropriate action?
- Pay the issue fee independently using firm funds
- Immediately notify a supervising attorney or partner (Correct answer)
- Request a six-month extension through Patent Center
- File a petition for revival as a precautionary measure
Correct answer: Immediately notify a supervising attorney or partner
The paralegal must immediately escalate to a supervising attorney because paying fees and making strategic decisions require attorney authorization.
Question 7: What does the acronym PTAB stand for, and which USPTO online portal is used to file proceedings before it?
- Patent Trial and Appeal Board; PTAB e-Filing system (Correct answer)
- Patent Technology Advisory Bureau; Patent Center
- Prior Technology and Art Board; USPTO.gov search
- Patent Transfer and Assignment Bureau; Assignment Database
Correct answer: Patent Trial and Appeal Board; PTAB e-Filing system
PTAB stands for Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and practitioners use the dedicated PTAB e-Filing system to file inter partes reviews, ex parte appeals, and other proceedings.
PPC Technology & Digital Tools 2
Which USPTO online tool allows practitioners to retrieve the full file history of a patent application, including all correspondence between the applicant and examiner?