Managing complex global IP portfolios can be challenging. Inconsistent reporting practices and terminology complicate things and a lot of time is wasted on unnecessary duplicate notifications and reminders. Honu is a platform that allows IP correspondence to be uploaded and managed in a simple, structured way that facilitates docketing and reporting.
Benefits of using Honu
Incoming foreign docketing can be standardized.
All communications are reported in the same format with due dates all clearly identified.
Redundant communications can be eliminated.
Agent gets a confirmation immediately upon upload eliminating confirmation copies and responses.
Foreign agent workflows can be simplified.
Only communications requiring docketing need to be attended to by the Docketing department – all other communications are directly between the respective paralegals and attorneys.
Docketing turn-around can be significantly improved.
Time saved wading through redundant and junk communications can be used to docket items instead and docketing standardization makes docketing faster.
Higher quality docketing can be achieved.
Elimination of errors by identifying due dates in free text and correctly identifying the purpose of the docketing communication are eliminated, resulting in fewer errors.
How Honu Works
Docket-entry events/communications are reported through the secure Honu on-line platform.
Items reported through Honu are routed to the docketing team and/or automatically added to the docket as an optional service.
What should be reported through Honu?
Case Types
- Patents
- Trademarks
- Designs
Generally
- Use Honu to report any event or action that results in a new docket entry or a de-docketing (cross-off) operation.
- Communications that do not require docketing should be sent by conventional channels, e.g., e-mail.
- Only report out one action at a time. For example, Grant Certificates should be separate from Validation confirmation report outs. Office Action Responses, Change of Addresses, or Assignments Filed should be all reported out separately in Honu.
Events or Actions Resulting in a New Docket Entry Include:
New Applications
- Acknowledgement of request to file a new patent application
- Confirmation of filing of an application
- Request for documents needed to perfect the filing of an application
- Any papers filed to complete application
- PTO actions respecting formalities and completed
- Official filing receipt
Prosecution and Issuance
- Publication of the application
- Request for examination
- All PTO actions (e.g., notices, rejections/allowances)
- Report of interviews/oral communications with PTO
- Translations of actions or cited art
- All Items filed or paid by the applicant
- Issuance documents (patent grants or certificates)
- Final or urgent reminders
- Any other communications regarding a new due date
What should NOT be reported through Honu?
Non-Docketing Events
- Preliminary reports of an action taken (for example emails saying “application filed – filing report to follow”)
- Communications regarding items previously reported by the agent (except final or urgent reminders)
- Drafts of documents, e.g., draft responses or claims
- Questions or advice directed to the Attorney/Paralegal
- General advisory communications that are merely informational, like notifications of a change in law or regulations
- Invoices (please report these as previously instructed)
