# Changes To Implement Electronic Maintenance of Official Patent Application Records
> **US Patent and Trademark Office** · Final rule. · Published 2003-06-30 · Effective 2003-07-30 · 68 FR 38611
## Document
- **Document number:** 03-16437
- **Category:** uspto-patent
- **Sub-agency:** US Patent and Trademark Office
- **Federal Register citation:** 68 FR 38611
- **CFR reference:** 37 CFR 1
- **Publication date:** 2003-06-30
- **Effective date:** 2003-07-30
- **Commerce docket:** Docket No.: 2003-P-007
## Abstract

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) is revising the rules of practice in patent cases as part of its 21st Century Strategic Plan to implement beginning-to-end electronic image processing of patent applications. Specifically, the changes adopted in this notice facilitate electronic image data capture and processing, streamline the patent application process, and simplify and clarify the pertinent provisions of the rules of practice.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2003/06/30/03-16437/changes-to-implement-electronic-maintenance-of-official-patent-application-records)
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