# Treatment of Unlocatable Patent Application and Patent Files
> **US Patent and Trademark Office** · Final rule. · Published 2000-11-17 · 65 FR 69446
## Document
- **Document number:** 00-29411
- **Category:** uspto-patent
- **Sub-agency:** US Patent and Trademark Office
- **Federal Register citation:** 65 FR 69446
- **CFR reference:** 37 CFR 1
- **Publication date:** 2000-11-17
## Abstract

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is amending the rules of practice to provide for the replacement of patent application and patent files that cannot be located after a reasonable search. This change is designed to expedite the process of application and patent file reconstruction to minimize the processing or examination delays resulting when the Office cannot locate an application or patent file after a reasonable search.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2000/11/17/00-29411/treatment-of-unlocatable-patent-application-and-patent-files)
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