Can an international design application designating the United States include a request for deferment of publication?
No, an international design application designating the United States cannot include a request for deferment of publication. This is explicitly stated in the MPEP:
“An international design application designating the United States may not contain a request for deferment of publication. See 37 CFR 1.1028.“
This restriction is important for applicants to note when preparing their international design applications that include the United States as a designated country.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2900 - International Design Applications,
MPEP 2909 - Contents Of The International Design Application,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure