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.
A national application, as described in MPEP 201.01, is a U.S. patent application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) or 35 U.S.C. 111(b). The MPEP states: A national application may be a nonprovisional application or a provisional application.
National applications are distinct from international applications and are processed directly by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
For more information on nonprovisional application, visit: nonprovisional application.
For more information on provisional application, visit: provisional application.
For more information on USPTO, visit: USPTO.