Patent Terms Glossary

Counterpart

Definition:
An application filed in a foreign patent office that is substantially similar to (like) the patent application filed with the USPTO and is based upon some or all of the same invention.

IFW

Definition:
Image File Wrapper - an electronic version of a patent application, including image and/or text versions of the bibliographic information, all papers as filed, and all office actions and correspondence related to that application.

Activity based cost accounting - an accrual-based accounting method for determining unit-based costs of delivering services by allocating the costs to budgetary resources.

Definition:


Comprising

Definition:
A transitional phrase that is synonymous with means the same thing as inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

Precautionary Designation

Definition:
Designation of a Contracting State in an international application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty which must be confirmed prior to 15 months from the priority date.

Examination Copy

Definition:
A copy of an international application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty maintained by the International Preliminary Examining Authority.

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