Can an applicant prevent republication of a patent application?

Yes, an applicant can prevent republication of a patent application under certain circumstances. The MPEP 1130 states:

“If an applicant does not wish to have an application republished, the applicant must submit a request to not republish the application. The applicant may submit this request at the time of filing the request for republication.”

To prevent republication, an applicant should:

• Submit a written request to not republish the application
• Provide this request along with any request for republication, if applicable
• Ensure the request clearly states the reasons for not wanting republication

It’s important to note that while an applicant can request to prevent republication, the USPTO may still republish if it determines that republication is necessary to correct a material error.

To learn more:

• prevent republication
• patent application
• applicant request