USPTO switched to an all-electronic patent grant system --- improving efficiency
Pluta and Weaver 23
[Robert Pluta, Mayer Brown IP partner, trial lawyer, Wade Weaver, Mayer Brown IP associate, 12-18-23, “USPTO 2023 Year in Review: E-Filings and Rulemakings and AI, Oh My!,” https://ipwatchdog.com/2023/12/18/uspto-year-review-2023-e-filings-rulemakings-ai-oh/id=170521/, 7-11-24, EP]
Modernization, Reduction of Waste, and Lowering the Financial Bar for Small Entities
Through a series of new final rules that have gone into effect in 2023, the USPTO has attempted to increase the Office’s administrative efficiency by moving further into the digital era. First, the Office switched to an all-electronic patent grant system (88 FR 12560). This new rule created a new form known as the Electronic Patent Grant Information sheet (EPGI). The EPGI sheet contains key patent grant data, such as the patent number, title, filing date, and the names of the patentee and inventors. The EPGI sheet is incorporated into the electronic patent grant file, ensuring easy access for future reference. The USPTO hopes to become more environmentally conscious by “foster[ing] a green economy,” and reducing the latency period between the time of issuance and publication. Gone are the days when an inventor can obtain the cathartic satisfaction of holding a signed, sealed, and delivered notice of issuance and the accompanying ceremonial patent copy.