[Patentcenter] Patent backlogs

[Doreen Trujillo]

Thanks, Katherine!

Maybe the USPTO should put a hold on the fees for alleged "late-filed" continuing applications (filed more than five years after the earliest benefit date) until they get this sorted out.

Doreen

[cid:image002.png at 01DA9AF9.699A1210]
Doreen Y. Trujillo
Partner | VLP Law Group LLP
Southeastern Pennsylvania| Blue Bell, PA
Office: +1 (267) 358-6839
Email: dtrujillo at VLPLawGroup.com


From: Patentcenter <patentcenter-bounces at oppedahl-lists.com> On Behalf Of Katherine Koenig via Patentcenter
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 11:41 AM
To: users of Patentcenter <patentcenter at oppedahl-lists.com>
Cc: Katherine Koenig <katherine at koenigipworks.com>
Subject: [Patentcenter] Patent backlogs

I just called the AAU to ask the status of two applications that have been in Central Docket since 2022.  The AAU representative told me they're instructed to transfer these inquiries to the Ombuds Office so they can help these old applications get "unstuck."  When I spoke with the Ombuds Office, I was told that they won't do anything to advance applications until they've been with Central Docket for at least 24 months, and even then, action can take several more months.

This apparently is because the USPTO is down "thousands of Examiners" and is actively recruiting to bring the numbers back up.  I'd never heard the hard 24-month guidance, so wanted to pass it along - you'll likely be wasting your time if you call about an application that's been sitting for a shorter time than that.  If this saves someone a 30-minute hold with AAU (why do they still play the AIA message from 2012?), I've done my good deed for the day.

Best regards,

Katherine

Dr. Katherine Koenig
Registered Patent Attorney
Koenig IP Works, PLLC
2208 Mariner Dr.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 903-1699
katherine at koenigipworks.com<mailto:katherine at koenigipworks.com>

[cid:image003.png at 01DA9AF9.699A1210]
Targeted Intellectual Property Strategy

The information contained in this communication, including any attachments, is privileged and confidential information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above.  If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this communication in error, do not read it.  Please immediately reply to the sender that you have received this communication in error and then destroy all paper and electronic copies.  Thank you.



This message contains information which may be confidential and legally privileged. Unless you are the addressee, you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone this message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this message in error, please send me an email and delete this message. Any tax advice provided by VLP is for your use only and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties or for promotional or marketing purposes.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://oppedahl-lists.com/pipermail/patentcenter_oppedahl-lists.com/attachments/20240430/9f0af411/attachment.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image002.png
Type: image/png
Size: 4039 bytes
Desc: image002.png
URL: <http://oppedahl-lists.com/pipermail/patentcenter_oppedahl-lists.com/attachments/20240430/9f0af411/attachment.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image003.png
Type: image/png
Size: 7679 bytes
Desc: image003.png
URL: <http://oppedahl-lists.com/pipermail/patentcenter_oppedahl-lists.com/attachments/20240430/9f0af411/attachment-0001.png>