Creating Docketing Rules and Pre-Set Tasks
Docketing rules (also known as "pre-sets") are a powerful way to automate task creation based on key events and timelines in your Equinox IP management system. This article will guide you through how to create new docketing rules and set up associated pre-set tasks.
Note: Users require appropriate permissions to view, add, or delete docketing rules and pre-set tasks.
Where can I find Docketing Rules in Equinox?
Navigate to the tab > Docketing Rules (may be a hidden “object”)
Click ‘New’ in the top-right corner of the list view.
How to Create a New Docketing Rule
2.1 Enter the Docketing Rule Settings
In this section, you define the overall rule parameters. These control when and where the pre-set tasks will apply.
Field | Description |
Rule Name | Give your docketing rule a clear, descriptive name. |
Rule Type | (Key Matters, Conflicts) |
Case Type | Choose which case type this rule applies to (e.g., Patent, Trademark, Design). |
Group ID | Enter the Equinox Group ID if the rule is specific to a group of users or clients. |
Country Code | Define the jurisdiction this rule is applicable to (e.g., US, EP, JP). |
Click Save to proceed to task setup.
2.2 Add Pre-Set Tasks
After the rule has been created, you can add one or more pre-set tasks. These tasks are automatically created when the base date condition is met.
Click ‘New’ from within your newly created rule under “Pre-Set Tasks” in the related section
.
Required Fields for Pre-Set Tasks
Field | Description |
Task Name | A short description of the task. |
Case Type | Must match the case type defined in the docketing rule. |
Base Date | The date from which the task deadline is calculated. Options include: |
Equinox Task ID | This links the task to a task type in your Equinox system for reporting and consistency. |
Offset Unit | Choose from: Days, Weeks, Months, or Years. |
Offset Amount | Numeric value indicating how far from the base date the task deadline should be set. |
Offset Operator | Either + (after the base date) or − (before the base date). Example: 3 weeks after → "+", 3 weeks before → "−". |
Assigned User Role | Choose who will be responsible for this task. Options include: Case Manager, Attorney, Paralegal, Patent Engineer, Owner. |
Enabled | Ensure this is checked for the task to be generated when the rule triggers. |
Once all task fields are complete, click Save.
Best Practices
- Test with dummy cases: Create test cases to confirm that rules behave as expected before enabling them on live data.
Need help? Our Support Team can provide a template to help map out your docketing rules and tasks—just let us know!