What is the deadline for filing a foreign priority claim in a U.S. patent application?

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.

The deadline for filing a foreign priority claim in a U.S. patent application depends on the type of application:

  • For applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a), the claim must be filed within the later of:
    • Four months from the actual filing date of the application, or
    • Sixteen months from the filing date of the prior foreign application
  • For international applications entering the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371, the claim must be made within the time limit set by the PCT and its Regulations
  • For design patent applications, the claim can be made at any time during the pendency of the application

As stated in MPEP 214.01: “The time periods set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(d) do not apply to design applications.”

Topics: MPEP 200 - Types and Status of Application; Benefit and Priority Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Disclosure Individuals, Disclosure Timing, Materiality Standard, Prima Facie Case