A Standard Document containing sample patent application prosecution guidelines, policies, and recommendations for outside counsel to follow when prosecuting patent application at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a company or other organization. It addresses the importance of inventions and patents to the company's business, the expectations of outside counsel, including the level of expertise required for individual attorneys, the time period for responding to deadlines, and communication preferences and requirements as part of the process. This Standard Document includes integrated drafting notes with important explanatory drafting tips.