Application Filing Stage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nApplication filing is a stage at which the innovator or applicant plans to file for a patent by drafting an application. It is at this point where the majority of grammatical errors and incorrect claim dependencies occur. IP firms start proofreading at this stage by obtaining a word copy of the application from the client. They ensure that the application meets the required parameters. Proofreading at this point also reduces the possibility of objection being raised under U.S.C 102 or 103 \u2013 for not following USPTO norms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. After Patent Application Gets Published<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSuppose the application is published in the US without objections and the client seeks to expand it beyond the native country. In such a case, it would be imperative to consider the application parameters of the country of interest. Proofreading at this stage ensures that the amendments (even preliminary), filed by the applicants during publication are incorporated. Therefore, when an application is extended to different countries in future, there is a lesser possibility of rejection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Before Patent Grant<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce a patent is granted, it costs nearly $150 for correcting each applicant error. Therefore, proofreading the patent before the grant prevents Certification of Correction(CoC) cost. It should be done just before the patent gets issued, as it is the most optimal use of effort from the proofreader. Proofreading at this stage balances out the cost as well the value of efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. After Patent Grant<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nProofreading under this scenario is to confirm whether everything has been rightly incorporated in the final document. The process is rather simple. The intellectual property professional will download the patent and its image file wrapper and proofread it. Once the patent is granted, it increases the chances of \u2018office of action\u2019 by other country examiners. Therefore, proofreading after the patent grant is beneficial for the applicant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. PCT Application Stage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nClients often ask their respective IP service providers toproofread the PCT application. After PCT publication, the application enters a different national stage and is prone to rejection from a respective national stage\u2019s country\u2019s examiner. Therefore, the process helps to increase patent proofreading advantages at this stage.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n