When is a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) acceptable?
A Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) is acceptable when it meets the requirements set forth in 37 CFR 1.53(d). According to MPEP § 201, the examiner will use specific language to indicate acceptance:
The request filed on [date] for a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) under 37 CFR 1.53(d) based on parent Application No. [number] is acceptable and a CPA has been established.
It’s important to note that CPAs are now only available for design patent applications. For utility and plant applications, a Request for Continued Examination (RCE) would be used instead.
For more information on continued prosecution application, visit: continued prosecution application.
For more information on CPA, visit: CPA.
For more information on design patents, visit: design patents.
For more information on patent examination, visit: patent examination.