Patent Terms Glossary

Workflow Incoming Amendment IFW

Definition:
From Public PAIR/IFW - designates the point in time when an amendment is received in the Office and the paper scanning process may be started at the USPTO; does not indicate whether scanning has actually started.

Filing Receipt

Definition:
When an application is submitted via e-TEAS, the Office immediately issues a confirmation of filing via e-mail that includes the serial number and filing date.

Confirmation Number

Definition:
The confirmation number, in combination with the application number, is used to verify the accuracy of the application number placed on correspondence filed with the Office to avoid misidentification.

Counterpart

Definition:
An application filed in a foreign patent office that is substantially similar to (like) the patent application filed with the USPTO and is based upon some or all of the same invention.

Interference

Definition:
A proceeding, conducted before the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (Board), to determine priority of invention between a pending application.

IPEA

Definition:
International Preliminary Examining Authority - either a national Office or an intergovernmental organization whose tasks include the establishment of examination reports on inventions.

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