A more thorough explanation:

Definition: A certified file history is a collection of records related to a patent application, including all correspondence and proceedings related to its prosecution. This collection is certified by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and is used for appeals, arbitration, and other post-prosecution proceedings. It is also known as a patent file wrapper.

Example: Let's say that a company has filed a patent application for a new invention. During the prosecution process, the company and the patent office may exchange correspondence and engage in proceedings to determine the patentability of the invention. All of these records, including the application itself, are collected and certified by the patent office to create a certified file history. This file can be used in the future for appeals or other legal proceedings related to the patent.

Another example: A certified file history can also be used to track the progress of a patent application. For example, a patent attorney may request a certified file history to review the correspondence and proceedings related to a client's patent application. This can help the attorney understand the status of the application and identify any potential issues that need to be addressed.