Reminder: USPTO Taking Next Step in Move to DOCX Tomorrow

Excerpt:  “At the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as part of our continuous efforts to modernize our patent application systems to improve user experience, provide applicants a more streamlined process, harmonize across country borders, and strengthen our ability to examine applications quickly and effectively, we are taking the next step to further transition to the filing of patent application-related documents in DOCX format through Patent Center. Patent Center makes it easy for all users to file the specification, claims, abstract, and drawings in DOCX format and provides pre-prosecution checks that improve the robustness and reliability of patents. We have worked carefully with stakeholders to shape both the transition to DOCX as well as the timing.”