- Step 9, USPTO
- Conducts formalities reviews, notifies applicant of informalities and issues an Official Filing Receipt
- Assigns Class/Subclass
- Assigned to a Technology Center
- Technology Center dockets case to examiner
- Publishes the application under 35 USC 122(b) (for exceptions see MPEP 1120)
- Examiner processes cases in their docket in filing date order
- Conducts substantive examination of the application (sooner depending on Technology Center or if applying under Accelerated Examination)
- Examiner notifies applicant via Office Action, First Action Interview
- Examiner considers response from applicant
- Determination to allow or issue final rejection of the application
- Check Application Status