How does an application being “substantially allowable” affect its processing?

When an application is deemed “substantially allowable,” it receives special status and is processed more quickly. MPEP § 1301 states:

“When an application is in condition for allowance, except as to matters of form, the application will be considered special and prompt action taken to require correction of formal matters.”

This means that the USPTO will expedite the handling of the application to address any remaining formal issues, allowing the patent to be granted more quickly than it would in regular processing.

To learn more:

• Patent Processing
• Special Status
• Expedited Examination
• USPTO Procedures