FAQs Patent Questions

Question:Patent application drawings must be drawn on specified standard sized paper.

Answer:
Yes. The Office specifies the size of the sheet on which the drawing is made, the type of paper, the margins, and other details relating to the making of the drawing. The reason for specifying the standards in detail is that the drawings are printed and published in a uniform style when the patent issues, and the drawings must also be such that they can be readily understood by persons using the patent descriptions.

Question:How do I search for a particular patent number?

Answer:
There are several ways. The easiest is to use the Patent Number Search Page, enter the number you are searching for in the box provided, and hit the 'Search' Button. Alternatively, you can go to the Quick Search Page, select which year(s) you want to search by using the Select years to search menu, type the patent number in the Term 1 text entry box, and select 'Patent Number' from the Field 1 menu. Then hit the 'Search' button.

Question:Utility patents issued on and after 12/12/1980 are subject to the payment of maintenance fees

Answer:
All utility patents that issue from applications filed on and after December 12, 1980 are subject to the payment of maintenance fees which must be paid to maintain the patent in force. These fees are due at 3 1/2, 7 1/2 and 11 1/2 years from the date the patent is granted.

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