Can protests be filed for design patent applications?

Yes, protests can be filed for design patent applications. While MPEP 1511 is part of the chapter on design patents, it refers to the general protest procedures outlined in MPEP Chapter 1900, which apply to both utility and design patents. The protest process allows third parties to submit relevant prior art or other information that may affect the patentability of a pending design patent application.

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Tags: design patents, mpep 1511, mpep chapter 1900, patent applications, protest filing