How is an international application defined in patent law?

An international application is defined in 37 CFR 1.9(b). While the specific definition is not provided in the given MPEP excerpt, it generally refers to a patent application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). International applications allow inventors to seek patent protection in multiple countries through a single filing process.

For more detailed information on international applications, you can refer to the full text of 37 CFR 1.9(b) and related sections of the MPEP.

For more information on Patent Cooperation Treaty, visit: Patent Cooperation Treaty.

For more information on patent law, visit: patent law.