File Organization

The folder system of Windows is pefectly adequate for organizing all of your files in preparing and filing a patent application, and in participating in the examination process. This is more important if you have several applications pending.

1) Create a new folder on your desktop and name it for the patent application. For the name you might use the title, or part of the title of your application, or you might use the Serial Number of the application.

2) Now create new folders in this top-level folder, one for The As-Filed case, in which you put the specification and the drawings, as they were filed. You may also store filing papers here.

3) It is critical that you have exaact copies of all documents you filed as your patent application. If you did not save these, you will have to get copies from the Patent Office database.

4) Create a folder “Examination” in the top-level folder.

5) Store the Office Actions fromthe PTO in this folder.

6) Store each of your formal responses to actions in this folder.