human: If my application was filed prior to November 29, 2000, how do I request a voluntary publication?
assistant: A request for voluntary publication must be filed via the Electronic Filing System (EFS) in compliance with 37 CFR 1.221. If the applicant submits a request that does not meet the EFS requirements , the request will be dismissed. Any processing fee paid (including those authorized to be charged, e.g., to a deposit account) will be retained. If applicant meets the EFS requirements, but does not include the publication and processing fees as set forth in 37 CFR § 1.18(d) (currently $300) and 1.17(i) (currently $130), respectively, the Office will send the applicant a letter requiring the fees. The publication of the application will be delayed. Alternatively, if the application was filed before 5/29/00 (and no prior CPA was filed on or after 5/29/00), the application may become eligible for publication, if the applicant files a CPA. The contents of originally filed prior application will be published. The disadvantage to filing a CPA rather than an EFS submission is that any amendments will not be published with the application. A CPA may not be filed in an application filed after May 29, 2000. For more information on voluntary publication, see Helpful Hints Regarding Publication of Patent Applications ,  1249 OG 83(August 21, 2001) (available on the Internet at  http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/dcom/olia/aipa/helpfulhints.htm ).