Patent Prosecution is a complex process that begins after filing a patent application and continues until the patent is granted (or refused). It involves communication, argumentation, and negotiation between the applicant and the patent office (Sakpatenti). It is rare for a patent to be granted on the first try without any objections. Typically, the examiner finds similar patents, questions the novelty of the invention, or requests clarification of the claims. The patent prosecution service involves qualified responses to these "Office Actions." A patent attorney analyzes the examiner's comments, amends the patent claims without losing the essence of protection, and proves the uniqueness of the invention. This service is crucial for obtaining a patent, as an incorrect response can lead to the rejection of the application.
What Does Patent Prosecution Service Cover?
Patent attorneys manage communication with Sakpatenti:
- Formal Examination Responses: Correcting technical deficiencies in the documentation.
- Substantive Examination Responses: The most difficult stage, where the examiner claims the invention is not new. The lawyer prepares technical arguments regarding the differences.
- Claim Amendments: Narrowing or altering claims to satisfy the examiner's requirements.
- Oral Hearings: Meeting with the examiner to reconcile positions.
- Appeals: Appealing the examiner's negative decision to the Chamber of Appeals of Sakpatenti.
- PCT National Phase Entry: Managing the prosecution stage of an international application in Georgia.