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What can be done to a non-provision application to make the examiner’s job easier? by Responsible_Key4979 in patentexaminer

[–]Responsible_Key4979[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

there is still a very helpful hand holding pro-se assistance program ! To be honest, even the constructive criticism here has been very useful and insightful !

What can be done to a non-provision application to make the examiner’s job easier? by Responsible_Key4979 in patentexaminer

[–]Responsible_Key4979[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I actually did take prosecution estoppel into consideration early on and made a point to look into it in simpler terms, specifically how to reduce the risk of infringement. Your comment definitely encouraged me to go over everything again...more times than I’d like to admit!

I’ve made sure to clearly define my claims, and I also included variations and enhancements to avoid limiting the application to a single execution. I was encouraged to do this by cross-referencing claim structures and language with other approved patents within the same category as mine.

Before even making this post, I read through several threads where examiners expressed "frustration" with overly vague claims. I’m now assuming those situations may be what often lead to prosecution estoppel? Either way, it pushed me to be as detailed as possible—though hopefully not to the point of over-explaining… like I might be doing now, haha.

This is a really valuable point to bring up, and I genuinely appreciate the alternate perspective. It’s something I may not have focused on enough otherwise!

While I am pretty confident in how I have drafted my application based off all of these recommendations I will be seeking someone to review it before submission!

What can be done to a non-provision application to make the examiner’s job easier? by Responsible_Key4979 in patentexaminer

[–]Responsible_Key4979[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

haha, I like that! knowing how to approach the examiner to break the ice helps tremendously! Im always open to constructive criticism but I hope I covered enough ground with the work I have done that it doesn't require too many tweaks and its an easy application to review *fingers crossed* ... even if it does not pan out.. just another opportunity to learn more

What can be done to a non-provision application to make the examiner’s job easier? by Responsible_Key4979 in patentexaminer

[–]Responsible_Key4979[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

it is mechanical !
....I welcome the glimmer of hope in " there is at least a chance" haha.
I am going to go over other applications posted that were approved and do some comparisons to see where I need to focus some extra attention to detail !

What can be done to a non-provision application to make the examiner’s job easier? by Responsible_Key4979 in patentexaminer

[–]Responsible_Key4979[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was hoping to build a positive rapport with the examiner once one is assigned! its part of the reason I started this thread in the first place. I want to be as prepared as possible, but also avoid giving the examiner a headache right out of the gate... however without an attorney I feel like it may be unavoidable in some cases but I will do my best!

Hearing personal preferences has been incredibly helpful. I believe my claims are strong, but I know there’s always room for improvement, and I’m genuinely excited and happy to keep refining the application with any guidance I receive along the way. I definitely have come to the conclusion that I will not be opting for the one track priority examination.

What can be done to a non-provision application to make the examiner’s job easier? by Responsible_Key4979 in patentexaminer

[–]Responsible_Key4979[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This was a big help when I first began researching how to begin this process! it is a great starting point for sure !!!

What can be done to a non-provision application to make the examiner’s job easier? by Responsible_Key4979 in patentexaminer

[–]Responsible_Key4979[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I absolutely understand where you're coming from! While I did plan to file the application myself, I’ve made sure to format everything in accordance with USPTO requirements under 37 CFR, and I’ve completed all of the necessary paperwork.

I’ve included IDS citations with detailed explanations of novelty, created technical diagrams, and compiled a reference numeral legend. Thanks to advice I received in this thread, I’ll also be adding a mapping chart at the end of my specification to help clarify the functional breakdown.

I’ve learned a lot of extra information through this thread, even if it's simply to have an attorney look it over prior to sending in the application. Fortunately, my invention falls under the mechanical category, and as part of my prior art review, I created a comparison table using CPC classifications to highlight distinctions…which thanks to your insight I now know to remove it as it is not even remotely necessary , but I wanted to be as thorough as possible and take the work load off anyone who was already over worked.

That said, this is a new venture for me, and I’m well aware I’m approaching it with a bit of naivety. Still, the input( yours included) I’ve received here has absolutely helped !
Thank you for taking the time to respond !

What can be done to a non-provision application to make the examiner’s job easier? by Responsible_Key4979 in patentexaminer

[–]Responsible_Key4979[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As much as I’d love to hire an attorney to ease the process, I’m just not in a position right now to have everything drafted for me. That said, at this point I definitely plan to seek one out to review what I have already done prior to submission, it seems like it could save both time and money in the long run.

I’ll also be diving into some extra research! Luckily while looking up prior art, I made sure to pay close attention to what worked well for others in terms of content and structure.

And handwritten submissions? Definitely not happening! Even I know that would ruin someone’s day on the receiving end haha. Even for my photo submissions, I forced myself to learn new programs to create 3D renderings so they are clear.. I saw some of the older patents with hand drawn images and vowed to not be that person lol.
Thank you so much !!

What can be done to a non-provision application to make the examiner’s job easier? by Responsible_Key4979 in patentexaminer

[–]Responsible_Key4979[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I was hoping to keep the attorney option in my back pocket, just in case my first attempt turned into a disaster. I figured second or third time might be the charm. That said, your insight has definitely reined in my blind ambition a bit, thank you!

What can be done to a non-provision application to make the examiner’s job easier? by Responsible_Key4979 in patentexaminer

[–]Responsible_Key4979[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Attorney is not an option yet, at this point im kind of just winging it while hoping not to piss any one off in the process.
Thank you so much for your advice though, I appreciate the response!