Does withdrawing an appeal abandon the entire patent application?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27

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.

No, withdrawing an appeal does not abandon the entire patent application if there are allowed claims. According to MPEP 1215.02:

“If an application contains allowed claims, as well as claims on appeal, the withdrawal of the appeal does not operate as an abandonment of the application”

This means that the application remains active with the allowed claims, even if the appeal for other claims is withdrawn.

Tags: allowed claims, appeal withdrawal, application abandonment, patent appeal