Are certified copies of priority documents required for international design applications at the USPTO?

For international design applications, certified copies of priority documents are generally not required to be submitted to the USPTO. The key points are:

• Applicants do not need to submit certified copies of priority documents to the USPTO for international design applications.
• The USPTO relies on the priority claim information provided through WIPO.
• However, the USPTO may require submission of certified copies if the priority claim becomes relevant to examination.

As stated in MPEP 2920.05(d): “Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.55(i), applicants in international design applications are not required to submit certified copies of the priority documents to the USPTO.” This provision simplifies the application process for applicants but allows the USPTO to request certified copies if necessary during examination.

To learn more:

• certified copies
• priority documents
• international design applications
• USPTO
• 37 CFR 1.55(i)