[Patentcenter] Cannot access saved submissions on Workbench on PatentCenter

[Gerry Peters]

Timothy Snowden <timothy at thompsonpatentlaw.com> writes:
> This is a systemic error in which an error "Search 
> limit reached" is given at random times, at random intervals, on
> random parts of PatentCenter, and to random people. Always, it
> prevents use of PatentCenter. When applied to critical functions
> (like retrieving applications to file), it risks loss of rights to
> patent holders, and at least excessive costs in late fees, penalties,
> and/or petition fees.

Happened to me as well (about 3 hours ago). I wasn't doing
searches, had only accessed one application, so maybe "search
limit" applies not to user but to (USPTO-side) system? Thought that
logging out and logging back in might fix, but no go. Fortunately I did
not have anything that absolutely needed to be done at that moment, but
Tim is 100% correct about this Russian-Roulette "search limit reached"
error being equivalent to "system down/unavailable," since user appears
to be prevented from doing _anything_ in PatentCenter when error occurs.

Does anyone have a feel for how long unusable state is likely to
persist once such a system down/unavailable error occurs?

With such bugs still unfixed, it boggles the mind to think that the
USPTO believes it to be in USPTO's interest to eliminate the existing
EFS-Web/PAIR system as backup. This sort of disregard for negative
outcomes only happens when one does not have skin in the game. Any
chance we could find a court that would take a class-action lawsuit
filed on behalf of USPTO users whose rights end up being prejudiced
if/when EFS-Web/PAIR is retired?

---Gerry

Gerry Peters
U.S. Patent Agent & Japanese Translator

JTT K.K. (OSAKA & TOKYO JAPAN)
JTT PATENT SERVICES, LLC (NH USA)
JTT TRANSLATION SERVICES, LLC (NH USA)
--------------------------------------------------
TEL +1 206 203 5010	EMAIL	info at jttpatent.com
FAX +1 206 203 5020	WEB  	www.jttpatent.com


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>> 19ce6520-8400-4eec-b8ef-83d2fe28b2bb at thompsonpatentlaw.com <<

Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:20:41 -0600
From: Timothy Snowden via Patentcenter <patentcenter at oppedahl-lists.com>
To: Patentcenter <patentcenter at oppedahl-lists.com>
Cc: Timothy Snowden <timothy at thompsonpatentlaw.com>
Subject: [Patentcenter] Cannot access saved submissions on Workbench on
PatentCenter

This is a new one. PatentCenter is blocking me from filing a response
to an imminent bar date by preventing me from accessing saved
submissions on my Workbench. This is a systemic error in which an error
"Search limit reached" is given at random times, at random intervals,
on random parts of PatentCenter, and to random people. Always, it
prevents use of PatentCenter. When applied to critical functions (like
retrieving applications to file), it risks loss of rights to patent
holders, and at least excessive costs in late fees, penalties, and/or
petition fees.

See screenshot below.

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>> 19ce6520-8400-4eec-b8ef-83d2fe28b2bb at thompsonpatentlaw.com <<