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.
According to MPEP 201.02, there are several types of patent applications:
- National applications
- Provisional applications
- Nonprovisional applications
- International applications
- International design applications
The definitions for these terms can be found in 37 CFR 1.9. Additionally, applications can be classified as ‘original’ or ‘continuing’ applications. An original application may be a first filing or a continuing application, while a continuing application can be a continuation, divisional, or continuation-in-part application.
For more information on continuing applications, visit: continuing applications.
For more information on international applications, visit: international applications.
For more information on international design applications, visit: international design applications.
For more information on nonprovisional applications, visit: nonprovisional applications.
For more information on patent applications, visit: patent applications.