Task Type Workflow Diagrams

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Task Type Workflow Diagrams

Task Type Workflow Diagrams are a powerful visual tool in AppColl that allow users to understand how task types generate one or more child tasks. These diagrams are easy to overlook but provide an intuitive view of task relationships and timelines. Below is an overview of how to access and interpret these diagrams, along with examples of specific workflows.

 

 

Accessing Task Type Workflow Diagrams
 

Viewing a Task Workflow from a Task Type

  1. Navigate to the desired task type (e.g., "Received Non-Final Office Action").
  2. Click the "Show Task Workflow" button. This button is located within the task type details and is often overlooked.
  3. A visual diagram will appear, displaying:
    • The originating task (highlighted in green).
    • Child tasks triggered by the originating task, represented by arrows connecting the tasks.
       

Viewing Task Workflow from the Task List

  1. Go to the list of task types.
  2. Look for the small workflow icon next to each task type.
  • Clicking this icon will open the same workflow diagram as above, without the need to navigate into the task type details.

 

 

Example 1: Non-Final Office Action Workflow
 

Diagram Overview

The diagram for the "Received Non-Final Office Action" task shows:

A Respondent Non-Final 3-Month Deadline triggered immediately.

  • Additional deadlines triggered sequentially:
  • 4-Month Deadline from the 3-Month.
  • 5-Month Deadline from the 4-Month.
  • Final Deadline from the 5-Month.
     

A File Supplemental IDS task is also potentially triggered if there are pending U.S. patents, though this is not guaranteed.
 

Timeline Indicators

A horizontal timeline at the top of the diagram illustrates due dates:

  • "Today" is the reference point (date the originating task is generated).
  • 3-Month Deadline: Due 3 months after the originating task.
  • 4-Month Deadline: Due 4 months after the 3-Month Deadline.
  • Supplemental IDS: Typically due 3 months after the originating task.
  • This visual provides clarity on how deadlines and dependencies are structured.

 

 

 

Example 2: Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) Workflow

Diagram Overview

For workflows involving the TTAB (e.g., oppositions or cancellations):

The first task is Time to Answer (Date Zero).

Numerous cascading tasks are triggered, forming a complex flow of dependencies.

Features

  • Zoom and Navigation:
    • You can zoom in and out of the diagram or move it using your mouse for better visibility.
  • Detailed Timeline:
    • Tasks cascade with specific intervals:
    • Example: Expert Disclosures are due 120 days from the due date of "Time to Answer."
    • The diagram pads dates accurately (e.g., 30-day intervals) and extends out to approximately 16-17 months for the full flow.
    • This detailed view helps users manage long-term workflows and ensures all deadlines are tracked appropriately.

 

 

Key Benefits of Workflow Diagrams

Visual Clarity:

  • Understand how tasks are interrelated and triggered.

Timeline Management:

  • Track when tasks and deadlines occur relative to the originating task.

Error Checking:

  • Verify that your task arrays are configured correctly.

Additional Notes

Legacy Users: If you do not see TTAB-related task workflows in your system, they may not be enabled. Contact support@appcoll.com to request these workflows.

Customizations: You can modify task types and their workflows as needed to fit your organization’s specific requirements.

 

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