Priority data in Continux – basics and overview

What does “priority” mean in the context of IP rights, how is it docketed in Continux, and what options are available for docketing and display?

Introduction

In Continux, priorities can be docketed, managed and displayed within the patent family. This applies across all IP rights and covers both internal priorities (priorities within the system) and external priorities. 

In Continux, priorities can be docketed and linked in two ways:

– automatically via a workflow

– manually, by entering or linking the data in the IP file(s)

Regardless of the docketing method used, the priority data is systematically linked within the file and, depending on the priority type (internal/external), also displayed in the family tree.

Docketing options

1. Transfer of priority via the “Subsequent Application Prio” workflow

If a subsequent application is created from an existing file, the “Subsequent Application Prio” workflow can be used. The existing file is then automatically stored as the priority, and the link is created by the system.
➔ Guide: Creating a Subsequent Application Prio in Continux via the “Subsequent Application Prio” Workflow

2. Manual docketing of priorities
Where no automatic link exists, or where the data is entered retrospectively, priorities can also be docketed manually. A distinction is made between two cases:
– Internal priority: link to an existing file within the system
– External priority: manual entry of the data of an external protection right (for example a foreign filing or a filing held in a third-party system)
➔ Guide: Manual Docketing of Priorities in Continux

Visibility and linking in the family structure
Internal priorities that have been docketed via the workflow or manually appear, once correctly stored, both in the “Attachments, Family, Conflicts” tab of the respective file and in the graphical representation of the family tree. External priorities, by contrast, are documented only in the target file and are not displayed in the family tree.
➔ Overview: Display of Priorities in Continux – in the File and in the Family Tree

Deadlines and priority

Priority data directly affects deadline calculation, for example for follow-on filing deadlines. Further information on the specific deadline logic will follow in a separate article.

➔ Further reading: Priority in the deadline context in Continux (coming soon)

Note on using the note field

For priorities that cannot be displayed within Continux IMPS (for example external priorities that do not appear in the family tree), it may be useful to additionally store the relevant information in the note field. This is particularly helpful where several files are affected or where quick visibility in the upper right area of the file is required.