Chapter 26: Clear records
Sections (26.01 to 26.12) last updated: September 2017.
26.01
Clear records are the final actions taken when case work proceedings are complete. EP and GB patents are cleared electronically on PDAX (Patents Document Access Exchange Management System).
Register entry
26.02
Update as appropriate by using COPS (see ex parte Chapters 17 – 24).
Journal entry
26.03
Compile a final advert for the Patent and Designs Journal. The wording is normally in line with the corresponding register entry (see Chapter 26). The advert is manually imported into PDAX.
Sharepoint lists
26.04
Complete the result box e.g. allowed, not proceeded with, or revoked.
Publishing action
26.05
For Section 75 proceedings you should inform Publishing Section of the changes required to the A, B and C printed specification as appropriate.
The A3 will create, a minute in PDAX, then create and send a “PSM – Amendment allowed – please prepare a C specification, and issue an official letter accordingly” message to Publishing Section
Inter partes proceedings - clear records after issue of an office decision
26.06
An Office decision is issued following a hearing or where the proceedings have been decided on the papers. The A3 Hearing Clerk will pass a copy of the decision to the B3/B2 with clear records proforma.
Register entry
26.07
The B3/B2 will make an entry on the register reflecting the outcome of the proceedings if necessary. The B3/B2 will also amend the register if appropriate, for example if a proprietor or inventor needs to be added or removed.
Journal entry
26.08
A Journal entry is made in the Patent Journal. To ensure consistency the wording should be taken from the register entry. The advert is manually imported into PDAX.
Electronic Ledger and spreadsheet
26.09
The Inter Partes SharePoint list should be updated to reflect the result of the proceedings and the date of the decision. The front cover of the dossier is labelled Precedent.
Publishing action
26.10
In order for the A and B patent specification to reflect the outcome of proceedings (see 26.05 above) Publishing Section should be requested to make the necessary changes. This will usually be done by the addition of an addendum slip or in the case of amendment, the request for a C specification.
The A3 will create a minute in PDAX, then create and send a “PSM – Amendment/Correction allowed – please prepare a C specification and send an official letter accordingly” message to Publishing Section.
Inter partes proceedings - other clear records
26.11
Where a case has been withdrawn, the B2 should update the register using Revocation Section menu - free text entry. The journal entry and Inter Partes SharePoint list should be completed. However there will be no need for any publishing action to be taken. The front cover of the dossier is labelled Precedent.
26.12
Multiple files
There may be a number of patent files linked to a case. Where this occurs each patent file should be cross – referenced to the other on the front cover of the dossier.