Can applicants choose not to enter Article 19 Amendments in the U.S. national stage?

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.

Yes, applicants can choose not to enter Article 19 Amendments in the U.S. national stage. The USPTO provides a specific mechanism for this purpose. According to MPEP 1893.01(a)(2):

“The “Transmittal Letter To The United States Designated/Elected Office (DO/EO/US) Concerning A Submission Under 35 U.S.C. 371″ (Form PTO-1390) available at www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms includes a check box by which the applicant may expressly instruct the U.S. Designated/Elected Office not to enter the Article 19 amendment(s) in the United States national stage application.”

This option allows applicants to have greater control over which amendments are entered into their U.S. national stage application.

Tags: article 19 amendment, form pto-1390, national stage, USPTO