How does unity of invention practice differ between national applications under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and national stage applications under 35 U.S.C. 371?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 4 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. The unity of invention practice differs as follows: For national applications under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) : These are subject to U.S. restriction practice under 37 CFR 1.141-1.146 . For national stage applications under 35 U.S.C. 371 : These are subject to unity of invention practice under 37 CFR 1.475 and 1.499 . MPEP 1896 states: “U.S. national applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) are subject to restriction practice in accordance with 37 CFR 1.141-1.146. U.S. national stage applications are subject to unity of invention practice in accordance with 37 CFR 1.475 and 1.499.” Other Related FAQs 4 FAQs Collapse What are the main differences between a national application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and a national stage application submitted under 35 U.S.C. 371? How is the filing date determined for a national application under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) compared to a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371? What are the differences in filing fees between national applications under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and national stage applications under 35 U.S.C. 371? What are the priority claim requirements for a national application under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) versus a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371?