PPC Technology & Digital Tools 3

Question 1

When searching for prior art using Boolean operators in a patent database, which search string correctly retrieves documents containing both 'polymer' and 'coating' but NOT 'adhesive'?

Accepted Answer

polymer AND coating NOT adhesive

Answer

Standard Boolean logic requires AND to combine required terms and NOT to exclude unwanted terms: 'polymer AND coating NOT adhesive'.

Question 2

Which classification system is used jointly by the USPTO and EPO to categorize patent documents for prior art searching?

Accepted Answer

Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)

Answer

The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) is the joint USPTO/EPO hierarchical classification system that replaced the old USPC for prior art searching.

Question 3

A paralegal is using docketing software and notices two different deadline entries for the same application — one from the attorney's notes and one auto-calculated. What is the safest course of action?

Accepted Answer

Use the earlier of the two deadlines and notify the attorney of the discrepancy

Answer

Best practice is to always use the earlier deadline to avoid missing the actual due date, while immediately flagging the discrepancy to the supervising attorney.

Question 4

Which feature of USPTO's Assignment Database is most useful for a patent paralegal verifying chain of title before filing an assignment recordation?

Accepted Answer

Searchable history of recorded assignments by patent number or assignee name

Answer

The USPTO Assignment Database allows searching recorded assignment documents by patent/application number or party name to verify current ownership and chain of title.

Question 5

Under USPTO rules, what is the maximum file size for a single PDF document uploaded through Patent Center?

Accepted Answer

50 MB

Answer

Patent Center imposes a 50 MB size limit per uploaded PDF document; larger files must be split before submission.

(PPC) Patent Paralegal Certification Practice Test

(PPC) Patent Paralegal Certification Practice Test

PPC Technology & Digital Tools 3