Practice Test Geeks(PPC) Patent Paralegal Certification Practice Test
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Patent Application Drafting & Filing Flashcards

7 cards from real PPC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Patent Application Drafting & Filing flashcards as text

  1. What is a 'Request for Continued Examination' (RCE) and when is it used?

    Answer: A submission to continue prosecution after a final rejection by paying a fee and submitting a response

    An RCE allows prosecution to continue after a final rejection by paying the required fee and submitting a response, new claims, or new evidence.

  2. In patent prosecution, what is 'prosecution history estoppel' and why does it matter to patent paralegals?

    Answer: A doctrine that limits claim scope based on arguments or amendments made during prosecution

    Prosecution history estoppel prevents patent owners from later claiming scope that was surrendered through claim amendments or arguments made during USPTO prosecution.

  3. Under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), claiming priority to a provisional application requires that the non-provisional be filed within:

    Answer: 12 months of the provisional's filing date

    A non-provisional application claiming benefit of a provisional must be filed within 12 months of the provisional's filing date, or the priority claim is lost.

  4. What is the function of drawing reference numerals in a patent application?

    Answer: To link specific elements in the drawings to their descriptions in the specification

    Reference numerals identify specific components shown in patent drawings and must correspond consistently to the same element throughout the specification and claims.

  5. A patent application discloses a chemical compound and a method of using it. The USPTO issues a restriction requirement. What must the applicant do?

    Answer: Elect one invention for examination and file a divisional for the other if desired

    The applicant must elect one invention for prosecution in the current application and may file a divisional application to pursue the non-elected invention.

  6. What is the 'best mode' requirement under 35 U.S.C. § 112(a)?

    Answer: The inventor must disclose the best mode of carrying out the invention known at the time of filing

    The best mode requirement obligates inventors to disclose the best way they know to practice the claimed invention as of the filing date.

  7. When a patent paralegal reviews the filing receipt from the USPTO, which information should be verified for accuracy?

    Answer: Filing date, application number, confirmation number, applicant names, and title of invention

    The filing receipt must be checked for correct filing date, application number, confirmation number, inventor names, applicant entity status, and title to catch any errors early.