How does a declaration of express abandonment affect the application status?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10

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 declaration of express abandonment has an immediate effect on the application status. According to MPEP 711.02(b):

“Where an applicant expressly abandons an application pursuant to 37 CFR 1.138, the application will be considered terminated as of the date the express abandonment is received in the Office.”

This means that once the USPTO receives a declaration of express abandonment, the application is immediately considered terminated. No further action is required to finalize the abandonment process.

Tags: Application Status, express abandonment, Termination