903.08(a)    New Applications [R-07.2015]

New nonprovisional applications are assigned to the various Technology Centers (TCs) in the first instance by the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP).

When a new application is received which, in the opinion of the primary examiner, does not belong to his or her TC, he or she may request transfer of it to another TC. See MPEP § 903.08(d).

If the search in connection with the first action develops art showing proper classification elsewhere, the transfer is usually initiated before the first action is prepared and mailed.