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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">I don\u2019t think the below yellow highlighted info about the springing fee with the example of 250 refs is correct. If you file an IDS before the 19th with 250 refs (or any number),
you pay no fee. If you file an IDS with one more reference after the 19<sup>th</sup>, you will then be at 251 refs, but you still do not pay a fee because the IDS did not
<b>CAUSE (</b>see blue highlighting<b>)</b> the total number of refs to exceed 200 (it was already over 200 before the rule change). I have called OPLA on this and they have confirmed this is correct and that several people have called to confirm this understanding.
It did not sound correct to me at first either but it\u2019s how the language reads.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">It is correct to say though that it is springing in the sense that if you file an IDS with 200 refs before the rule change, and then file an IDS with 201 after the rule change,
you will pay the fee then because the second IDS <u>CAUSED</u> the cumulate number of references to exceed 200.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><i><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">(v) Information disclosure statement size fee for an information disclosure statement filed under §\u20091.97 that, inclusive of the number of applicant-provided or patent
owner-provided items of information listed under §\u20091.98(a)(1) on the information disclosure statement,
<span style="background:aqua;mso-highlight:aqua">causes</span> the cumulative number of applicant-provided or patent owner-provided items of information under §\u20091.98(a)(1) during the pendency of the application or reexamination proceeding to:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><i><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">(1) Exceed 50 but not exceed 100. . . . . .$200;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><i><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">(2) Exceed 100 but not exceed 200. . . . . .$500, less any amount previously paid under paragraph (v)(1) of this section; and<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><i><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">(3) Exceed 200. . . . . .$800, less any amounts previously paid under paragraphs (v)(1) and/or (2) of this section.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Patentpractice <patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Scott Nielson via Patentpractice<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, January 16, 2025 12:04 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> Rick Neifeld <richardneifeld@gmail.com>; For patent practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. <patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Scott Nielson <scnielson@outlook.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Patentpractice] Amendment to 37 CFR 1.98(a) - IDS reference count "fee" rule impementation<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">That is more concise. Do you think your statement is specific enough to authorize charging a deposit account for any deficiency or lack of payment? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:#1F3864">Scott Nielson</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">801-660-4400</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> Rick Neifeld <<a href="mailto:richardneifeld@gmail.com">richardneifeld@gmail.com</a>><br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, January 15, 2025 8:22 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> For patent practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Scott Nielson <<a href="mailto:scnielson@outlook.com">scnielson@outlook.com</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Patentpractice] Amendment to 37 CFR 1.98(a) - IDS reference count "fee" rule impementation</span>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Scott - My update is more concise. It currently states: <o:p>
</o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">__________<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"> 37 CFR 1.97 INFORMATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT<br>
<br>
___ An "X" indicates that no IDS size fee is required; that less than 51 total items submitted in IDSs during pendency.<br>
___ An "X" indicates that an IDS size fee is required; and the appropriate IDS size fee for submission of 51-100; 101-200; or more than 200 items, is or has previously been submitted.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">_______________<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Rick<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">On Wed, Jan 15, 2025 at 10:05<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">\u202f</span>PM Scott Nielson via Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>> wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">The amendment to 1.98 is located at the end of the FR final rule notice. This is what it says:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">10. Section 1.98 is amended by revising paragraph (a) introductory text and adding paragraph (a)(4) to read as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">§</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">\u2009</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">1.98<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">Content of information disclosure statement.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">(a) Any information disclosure statement filed under §</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">\u2009</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">1.97
shall include the items listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (4) of this section.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">* * * * *
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">(4) A clear written assertion that the information disclosure statement is accompanied by the applicable information disclosure statement size fee under §</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">\u2009</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">1.17(v)
or a clear written assertion that no information disclosure statement size fee under §</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">\u2009</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">1.17(v)
is required.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">Some of the comments in the final rule argued that the USPTO does not have authority to implement the rule (search the final rule for the section that starts with
"Legal Considerations"). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">One thing about the IDS fee is it is a "springing" fee in the sense that you are subject to the fee even if the next IDS you file in the application only lists a
single reference. <span style="background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow">If you previously filed an IDS with 250 references, then filing a new IDS with one reference will require payment of the full fee. If you have any IDSs you need to file, then it's probably
best to do it before the 19th.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">The PTO said it would provide an updated IDS form, but I haven't seen anything yet. In the absence of the updated form, I added the following section to my IDS form
to keep track of the number of items that have been submitted (and to add a deposit account authorization that I believe complies with the USPTO's requirements). I'm open to suggestions about ways to improve it and/or to know what others are planning to do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p style="mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:0in">
<b><u><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">Size Fee</span></u></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:28.35pt"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">The cumulative number of items of information cited by the applicant in one or more information disclosure statements during the pendency
of this application is <b><u>[<span style="background:aqua">__</span>]</u></b>. This number includes the items cited above but does not include any items that were refused consideration.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:28.35pt"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">Applicant states that:</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Wingdings;color:black">¨</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"> no size fee is required by 37 CFR 1.17(v); the cumulative number of items is
1\u201350; or</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Wingdings;color:black">¨</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"> the information disclosure statement is accompanied by the following size fee
as required by 37 CFR 1.17(v):</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:42.5pt">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Wingdings;color:black">¨</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"> the size fee in 37 CFR 1.17(v)(1); the cumulative number of items is 51\u2013100;</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:42.5pt">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Wingdings;color:black">¨</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"> the size fee in 37 CFR 1.17(v)(2); the cumulative number of items is 101\u2013200;</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:63.8pt">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Wingdings;color:black">¨</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"> the amount is reduced due to previous payment of the 37 CFR 1.17(v)(1) fee; or</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:42.5pt">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Wingdings;color:black">¨</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"> the size fee in 37 CFR 1.17(v)(3); the cumulative number of items is more than 200;</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:63.8pt">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Wingdings;color:black">¨</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"> the amount is reduced due to previous payment of the 37 CFR 1.17(v)(1) fee; and/or</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:63.8pt">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Wingdings;color:black">¨</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"> the amount is reduced due to previous payment of the 37 CFR 1.17(v)(2) fee.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:28.35pt"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">The required size fee should have been paid as part of filing the information disclosure statement. However, if the size fee was not
paid or the incorrect amount was paid, then the Director is authorized to charge the size fee above or any payment deficiency for the size fee above to Deposit Account No.
<span style="background:aqua">__</span>.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:#1F3864">Scott Nielson</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">801-660-4400</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com</a>>
on behalf of Carl Oppedahl via Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>><br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, January 15, 2025 6:02 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a> <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Carl Oppedahl <<a href="mailto:carl@oppedahl.com">carl@oppedahl.com</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [Patentpractice] Amendment to 37 CFR 1.98(a) - IDS reference count "fee" rule impementation</span>
<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Note: the original posting was too big for the listserv. The would-be attachment (the November 20, 2024 FR notice) can be obtained
<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/11/20/2024-26821/setting-and-adjusting-patent-fees-during-fiscal-year-2025">
here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">So here is what our listmate wanted to post:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">As you are likely aware, effective January 19, 2025, the USPTO is requiring that each IDS contain a written assertion relating to the cumulative number of citations made by an applicant in a
patent application. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The count is based on the number of items listed on an IDS, not the number of references submitted. Each IDS filed from 1/19 on must contain this assertion and must state the specific fee that
is being submitted, if any, corresponding to the cumulative reference count.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">In the attached FR notice, the USPTO stated
<b><i><u>it was amending 37 CFR § 1.98(a)</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">\u201cto include a new content requirement for an IDS that will facilitate implementation of the IDS size fee. Specifically, the USPTO is requiring that an IDS contain
a clear written assertion by the applicant and patent owner that the IDS is accompanied by the appropriate IDS size fee or that no IDS size fee is required. This assertion is necessary because it ensures the record is clear as to which fee the applicant or
patent owner believes may be due (or that no fee may be due) with the IDS so the examiner can promptly ascertain whether the IDS is compliant. There is no specific language required for the written assertion, but it should be readily identifiable on the IDS
and clearly convey the applicable IDS size fee by specifying the particular paragraph in § 1.17(v) that applies (e.g., \u2018\u2018the fee due under 1.17(v)(2)\u2019\u2019), if any.\u201d</span></i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">I have not found any amendments to 37 CFR 1.98(a) outlining the content requirement. Additionally, despite their prior representation to me (also attached), no forms have been made available
to us for use. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Shouldn\u2019t this amendment to the CFR be made BEFORE the rule is effective?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The FR notice also said that \u201can authorization to charge fees to a deposit account is not a compliant written assertion under the new § 1.98(a) requirement, unless the authorization clearly
identifies the particular IDS size fee that should be charged for submission of a particular IDS.\u201d<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">For example, language such as \u2018\u2018the Director is authorized to charge the § 1.17(v)(2)* fee for the IDS submitted on July 1, 2026 to deposit account XX\u2013XXXXX\u2019\u2019 would
be a compliant written assertion because reference to paragraph (v)(2) particularly identifies the IDS size fee due, but language such as \u2018\u2018the Director is authorized to charge any applicable IDS size fee to deposit account XX\u2013XXXXX\u2019\u2019 would not be a compliant
written assertion because it fails to establish which IDS size fee is due. General authorizations to charge fees to a deposit account are not compliant written assertions under the new § 1.98(a) requirement.</span></i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">What new requirement is there if the CFR has not been amended?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">IDS filings made after January 19 that do not include the written assertion or size fee will not be considered by the Examiner \u2013 only placed in the file. The applicant, upon learning of the
non-consideration may file a new IDS with the requisite assertion and fee submission but the
<b><u>date the new IDS is filed will be the date of the IDS</u></b> for the purpose of determining §1.97 compliance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">So, here is my question \u2026 if they have not provided us with the amended CFR, and/or if they have not amended the CFR is this rule enforceable? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">I called OPLA today and left a message asking when we would see the amended CFR. I have not received a call back yet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">I am but a lowly paralegal but this seems pretty derelict on the part of the USPTO. This \u201cfee rule\u201d seems way beyond the scope of simple fee setting and adds a significant burden on the applicant.
The USPTO has stated that the purpose of this rule is deter what they call \u201cclearly irrelevant and, marginally relevant, or cumulative information.\u201d They further state that current IDS practice is \u201conerous for examiners and hinders the USPTO\u2019s statutory obligation
to timely examine applications \u2026\u201d<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">That sounds more punitive than a fee rule made in good faith, especially when the USPTO goes on in the FR notice to say that they tried to address this in 2006 but the proposal was not adopted
\u2013 \u201cinstead, to provide some relief for examiners burdened with large IDS submissions, the agency began providing examiners additional time to consider large IDS submissions in applications.\u201d <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">They then go on to claim the agency spends $10 million annually for examiners to consider IDS submissions. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">In defense of the new requirement, the USPTO states that less than 15% of all applicants will have to pay the size fee for the IDS filings. Okay, that may be true but 100% of all applicants
have to adopt the written assertion requirement or face the consequence of having an IDS going unconsidered until it is too late to certify.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">What are your thoughts on this? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Can this requirement be enforced without amendments to the CFR? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Is this truly within the scope of their fee setting authority? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The complete lack of transparency leading up to this rule change feels like bad faith to me. Is the PTO really getting this sloppy?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Interested in your opinion(s).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Thanks in advance,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Pam<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><sub><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">****</span></sub><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Pamela Cei Brisky<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Senior Patent Paralegal<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Fujitsu Intellectual Property Center<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Fujitsu North America, Inc.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">(571) 216-2112<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0563C1"><a href="mailto:pbrisky@fujitsu.com"><span style="color:#0563C1">pbrisky@fujitsu.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><sub><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> </span></sub><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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