Please note that registered users will have access to additional,
more specific, Q's and A's inside the site.
Q: Please tell me more about the electronic file histories.
Q: How fast is your server, i.e., what is your download speed?
Q: What about the patent validity searches?
Q: What services do you offer?
Q: I've never heard of you. How long have you been in business?
Q: What about our personal information? Will it be sold or given to any other businesses or entities?
Q: What are your hours?
Q: Will I receive an order confirmation?
Q: May I still place orders over the telephone, or via fax?
Q: May I cancel an order after it has been placed?
Q: Why does the site look funny, appear out of alignment, or not perform some of the functions?
Q: Why can't I find your price list?
Q: Please tell me more about the electronic file histories.
A: Traditionally, file histories (as well as other documents) have been sent to
the requestor via overnight courier. Now, you may request that we scan your documents (in .pdf or .tiff
format) and place them on our web site so that you may download them directly to your
computer. This means that some documents will be available to you the same day in which you
order them, and will always mean saving at least one day in the delivery process. (Please remember:
we’re always at the mercy of the USPTO concerning when they will get the documents to
us....)
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Q: How fast is your server, i.e., what is your download speed?
A: We have a T1 line. (If you're not sure what that means, it just means that
it's really, really fast.)
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Q: What about the patent validity searches?
A: We do all types of patent searches, but specialize in domestic and foreign validity work. Our registered users FAQ has more detailed information; or you may call the office to learn more about this service.
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Q: What services do you offer?
Q: I've never heard of you. How long have you been in
business?
A: We've been operating full time since 1988 and
have been incorporated since 1996. Our website debuted in early 2003.
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Q: What about our personal information? Will it be sold or given
to any other businesses or entities?
A: Absolutely not! All information concerning our clients remains exclusively
in our (IPC, Inc.) possession.
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Q: What are your hours?
A: Our office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time,
(13:00 to 22:00 UCT/GMT) Monday through Friday. (Generally, someone is around well
before and after those hours, but those are our "official" hours.) You may use the
web site services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
[Back to Questions]
Q: Will I receive an order confirmation?
A: You will receive a confirmation, via e-mail, shortly
after placing your order -- generally within ten minutes.
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Q: May I still place orders over the telephone, or via fax?
Q: May I cancel an order after it has been placed?
A: Well, yes and no. Yes, absolutely, if we can catch it in
time. No, if we have already completed the work, or have processed the order
with the USPTO (and they refuse to cancel it).
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Q: Why does the site look funny, appear out of alignment, or not perform some of the functions?
A: Unless we are conducting maintenance (generally done in
the “wee hours” of the morning), the problem is most likely that your “web
browser”, (the program which you’re using right now to get around with, probably
“Internet Explorer” or “Netscape Navigator”) needs to be updated. Please check the
“Help” section in your browser for “Updates” and follow their instructions. If you’re a regular user, and you notice a
problem which appears unrelated to the browser, please contact us immediately.
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Q: Why can't I find your price list?
A: The Price List is available inside the site. If you are not a registered user, please contact us for this information.
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