What is the difference between reversing a holding of abandonment and reviving an abandoned application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. Reversing a holding of abandonment and reviving an abandoned application are two distinct processes in patent examination. According to MPEP 711.03(a) : This is not a revival of an abandoned application but merely a holding that the application was never abandoned. When an examiner reverses a holding of abandonment, they are essentially stating that their initial determination of abandonment was incorrect, and the application was never actually abandoned. This is different from revival, which is a process used when an application has truly become abandoned and the applicant is seeking to reinstate it. Reversing a holding of abandonment corrects an error in the examination process, while revival addresses a lapse on the part of the applicant. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Application Must Be Explicitly Abandoned MPEP 711 Primary Examiner May Reverse Holding on Responsive Amendment During Reply Period MPEP 711.03(a) Permitted Express Abandonment of Patent Application MPEP 711 Permitted Reply Required Within Time Period Otherwise Abandoned MPEP 711 Reply Required to Save Application from Abandonment MPEP 711 Required Amendments Not Saving Application from Abandonment MPEP 711 New Time Period for Inadvertently Omitted Matter in Reply to Non-Final Office Action MPEP 711 Permitted Declaration Required for Abandonment of Patent Application MPEP 711 Permitted Express Abandonment Must Be Timely Received MPEP 711 Prohibited Written Declaration Must Be Signed by Authorized Party MPEP 711 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can a patent examiner reverse their decision on an abandoned application? What authority does a primary examiner have regardin...