Are provisional applications classified and assigned to examiners?
No, provisional applications are not classified or assigned to examiners. The MPEP 909.02(b) clearly states:
“Provisional applications (Plant only) are not classified or assigned since they are not examined.”
This means that:
- Provisional applications do not go through the same classification process as nonprovisional applications.
- They are not assigned to an examiner for examination.
- This applies specifically to provisional plant patent applications.
It’s important to note that provisional applications serve as a temporary placeholder and do not undergo substantive examination. They primarily establish a priority date for a subsequent nonprovisional application.
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