What does ‘termination of proceedings’ mean in patent law?

‘Termination of proceedings’ is a legal concept in patent law, specifically mentioned in 35 U.S.C. 120. It refers to the end of patent application processing under certain circumstances. The MPEP states:

‘Termination of proceedings’ is an expression found in 35 U.S.C. 120. As there stated, a second application is considered to be copending with an earlier application if it is filed before (A) the patenting, (B) the abandonment of, or (C) termination of proceedings on the earlier application.

This concept is crucial for determining the status of related patent applications and their priority claims.

To learn more:

• termination of proceedings
• patent application
• copending applications
• 35 U.S.C. 120

To learn more:

• 35 U.S.C. 120