Form PTO / SB / 31 Notice of Appeal From the Examiner to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board

What Is Form PTO/SB/31?

This is a legal form that was released by the U.S. Department of Commerce - Patent and Trademark Office on December 1, 2022 and used country-wide. As of today, no separate filing guidelines for the form are provided by the issuing department.

FAQ

Q: What is PTO/SB/31?
A: PTO/SB/31 is a form used to file a Notice of Appeal From the Examiner to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

Q: What does the Notice of Appeal do?
A: The Notice of Appeal allows an applicant to appeal the decision of an examiner to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

Q: Who can file the Notice of Appeal?
A: The applicant or the applicant's representative can file the Notice of Appeal.

Q: What is the Patent Trial and Appeal Board?
A: The Patent Trial and Appeal Board is a part of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and is responsible for hearing appeals from the decisions of examiners.

Q: Is there a deadline for filing the Notice of Appeal?
A: Yes, there is a deadline for filing the Notice of Appeal. The deadline is generally within a certain number of months from the date of the final rejection or other final decision by the examiner.

Q: What should I include with the Notice of Appeal?
A: Along with the Notice of Appeal, you should include a statement of the grounds of appeal and a copy of the decision being appealed.

Q: What happens after I file the Notice of Appeal?
A: After filing the Notice of Appeal, your case will be reviewed by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. They will schedule a hearing and issue a decision based on the arguments and evidence presented.

Q: Can I appeal the decision of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board?
A: Yes, if you are not satisfied with the decision of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, you can further appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.