Trademark Fees 37 CFR Sec. Called a patent term guarantee, this section provides for term extensions due to delays in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The changes further guarantee adjustments for delays due to interferences, secrecy orders and appeals. However, term adjustments are subject to certain limitations and reductions, for example when applicant fails to engage in reasonable efforts to conclude prosecution. Patent term adjustments are to be determined by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, who will notify applicants of the determination.
Applicants can request reconsideration of and appeal the determination.
They do not apply to design patents. This appears to be an attempt to reduce the necessity for the continued prosecution application procedure. Domestic Publication of Patent Applications Published Abroad Applications Subject to Publication Provisions have been enacted for eighteen month publication of U.S. patent applications. In general, each application for a patent will be published promptly after expiration of the period of eighteen months from the earliest filing date for which benefit is sought. However, applications that have become abandoned, are subject to a secrecy order, are provisional, or are for a design will not be published.