What is an ‘original’ application in patent law?
Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09
This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.
An ‘original’ application in patent law refers to an application that is not a reissue application. The MPEP states:
“Original” application is used in the patent statutes and rules to refer to an application which is not a reissue application. An original application may be a first filing or a continuing application.
This means that an original application can be either:
- The first filing of a patent application for an invention
- A continuing application (continuation, divisional, or continuation-in-part) filed under the conditions specified in 35 U.S.C. 120, 121, 365(c), or 386(c) and 37 CFR 1.78
Topics:
MPEP 200 - Types and Status of Application; Benefit and Priority
Patent Law
Patent Procedure