Legal Definitions - application number

An application number is a unique identification code assigned by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to every patent or trademark application it receives. This number serves as the primary reference for tracking, identifying, and retrieving all documents and information related to a specific application throughout its examination process and beyond. It typically consists of a series code followed by a serial number (e.g., 17/123,456) and is sometimes also referred to as a serial number. For patent applications, the filing date is often included alongside the application number for more precise identification.

• Example 1: Protecting a New Invention

  A small engineering firm, "Quantum Innovations," develops a groundbreaking new material for aerospace components. When they submit their detailed patent application to the USPTO, the office assigns it a unique application number, such as 18/765,432, filed on January 20, 2023. This number allows Quantum Innovations to monitor the status of their application online, communicate with the patent examiner, and ensures that their specific invention can be distinguished from all other patent filings.

  Explanation: Here, the application number acts as a unique identifier for Quantum Innovations' specific patent filing, enabling them and the USPTO to track its progress and refer to it unambiguously.

• Example 2: Registering a Brand Name

  A new artisanal bakery, "The Gilded Spatula," wants to protect its distinctive name and logo as a trademark. After submitting their application to the USPTO, it receives an application number, for instance, 90/987,654. This number is crucial for all official correspondence, for the public to search for the trademark, and for the bakery to eventually register and enforce its brand rights.

  Explanation: In this scenario, the application number uniquely identifies "The Gilded Spatula's" trademark application, allowing for its specific brand protection efforts to be tracked and publicly referenced.

• Example 3: Due Diligence in Business Acquisition

  A large technology company is considering acquiring a startup known for its innovative software. As part of their legal due diligence, the acquiring company's lawyers request a list of all pending patent applications held by the startup. They receive a list including application numbers like 17/112,233 (filed on October 5, 2022) and 17/445,566 (filed on March 10, 2023). Using these specific numbers, the lawyers can access the public records for each application, review the claims, and assess the strength and scope of the intellectual property they are about to acquire.

  Explanation: The application numbers provide precise references for the lawyers to locate and examine specific patent filings, which is critical for evaluating the value and risks associated with the startup's intellectual property assets.