Legal Definitions - file wrapper

Definition: A file wrapper is the complete record of proceedings in the Patent and Trademark Office from the initial application to the issued patent or registered trademark. It includes all documentation, correspondence, and any other record of proceedings before the PTO concerning that application. It is also known as file history or prosecution history.

Examples: If a company applies for a patent, the file wrapper would include the initial application, any amendments made to the application, any correspondence between the company and the Patent and Trademark Office, and any decisions made by the PTO regarding the patent application. Similarly, if a company applies for a trademark, the file wrapper would include the initial application, any correspondence between the company and the PTO, and any decisions made by the PTO regarding the trademark application.

Explanation: The examples illustrate how the file wrapper is a complete record of all proceedings related to a patent or trademark application. It includes all the documents and correspondence exchanged between the applicant and the PTO, as well as any decisions made by the PTO regarding the application. This record is important because it provides a history of the application and can be used to understand the reasoning behind the PTO's decisions.