What is a Notice Of Allowance and Why It Matters in Patent Law?
Definition & Meaning
A notice of allowance is an official communication from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that indicates a patent application has met the necessary requirements for patentability. This notice signifies that the Patent Examiner has reviewed the application and determined it qualifies for a patent. Once a notice of allowance is issued, the patent will be granted at a future date, pending the payment of any required fees.
Legal Use & context
The notice of allowance is primarily used in the field of intellectual property law, specifically in patent applications. It plays a crucial role in the patent application process, as it confirms that the application has passed the examination phase. Users can manage their patent applications, including responding to office actions and preparing for the issuance of a patent, using legal templates available through resources like US Legal Forms.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A company submits a patent application for a new technology. After thorough examination, the USPTO issues a notice of allowance, indicating that the application meets all necessary criteria. The company then pays the required fees to receive the patent.
Example 2: An individual inventor applies for a patent for a unique product design. After several months, they receive a notice of allowance from the USPTO, confirming that their application is approved for a patent grant (hypothetical example).