MPEP § 601.05 — Bibliographic Information – Application Data Sheet (ADS) (Annotated Rules)

§601.05 Bibliographic Information – Application Data Sheet (ADS)

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2025-12-31

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 601.05, including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Bibliographic Information – Application Data Sheet (ADS)

This section addresses Bibliographic Information – Application Data Sheet (ADS). Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 111(b), 35 U.S.C. 111(a), and 35 U.S.C. 371. Contains: 3 requirements, 2 permissions, and 6 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

AIA Effective Dates

10 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-601-05-d49760a705948db6bbd4d33a]
Application Data Sheet Required for Filing
Note:
An application data sheet containing bibliographic information must be submitted in a format specified by the Office and comply with specific requirements based on the filing date.

An application data sheet (ADS) is a sheet or set of sheets containing bibliographic data, which is arranged in a format specified by the Office. An ADS must comply with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.76, and may be submitted in a provisional application under 35 U.S.C. 111(b), a nonprovisional application under 35 U.S.C. 111(a), a nonprovisional international design application, or a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371. See MPEP § 601.05(a) for requirements for an ADS that are specific to applications filed on or after September 16, 2012. See MPEP § 601.05(b) for requirements for an ADS that are specific to applications filed prior to September 16, 2012.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.76AIA Effective DatesNational Stage Entry RequirementsAmendments in National Stage
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-601-05-401fba8b3738001e438ff308]
Requirement for Application Data Sheet
Note:
An application data sheet must comply with specific requirements and can be submitted in various types of applications.

An application data sheet (ADS) is a sheet or set of sheets containing bibliographic data, which is arranged in a format specified by the Office. An ADS must comply with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.76, and may be submitted in a provisional application under 35 U.S.C. 111(b), a nonprovisional application under 35 U.S.C. 111(a), a nonprovisional international design application, or a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371. See MPEP § 601.05(a) for requirements for an ADS that are specific to applications filed on or after September 16, 2012. See MPEP § 601.05(b) for requirements for an ADS that are specific to applications filed prior to September 16, 2012.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.76AIA Effective DatesNational Stage Entry RequirementsAmendments in National Stage
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-601-05-46c5109c492bb1273eee0030]
Application Data Sheet Required for Filing
Note:
When an application data sheet is provided in a patent application, it must comply with 37 CFR 1.52 and be submitted via the specified format.

When an application data sheet is provided in a patent application, the application data sheet becomes part of the application and must comply with 37 CFR 1.52. While the use of an application data sheet is not always required (see MPEP §§ 601.05(a) and 601.05(b)), the Office prefers its use in all applications to help facilitate the electronic capturing of important data. When an ADS is optional, the data that is suggested to be supplied by way of an application data sheet can also be provided elsewhere in the application papers, but it is to applicant’s advantage to submit the data via an application data sheet. To help ensure that the Office efficiently captures the data, the Office specifies a particular format to be used. The Office also provides a fillable form (PTO/AIA/14 for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012 and PTO/SB/14 for applications filed prior to September 16, 2012) on the Office’s website, which contains the bibliographic data arranged in the specified format. The Office’s fillable form is designed to be completed electronically and then filed via Patent Center or in paper. However, the data will only load directly into the USPTO patent electronic system when the PTO/AIA/14 or PTO/SB/14 is submitted as a Fillable Form, rather than a scanned portable document format (PDF) image.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.52AIA Effective DatesAssignee as Applicant SignatureAIA Overview and Effective Dates
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-601-05-279a68168acfa48c45f6618d]
Application Data Sheet Preferred for Electronic Capture
Note:
The Office prefers the use of an application data sheet to facilitate electronic capturing of important bibliographic data, though it is not always required.

When an application data sheet is provided in a patent application, the application data sheet becomes part of the application and must comply with 37 CFR 1.52. While the use of an application data sheet is not always required (see MPEP §§ 601.05(a) and 601.05(b)), the Office prefers its use in all applications to help facilitate the electronic capturing of important data. When an ADS is optional, the data that is suggested to be supplied by way of an application data sheet can also be provided elsewhere in the application papers, but it is to applicant’s advantage to submit the data via an application data sheet. To help ensure that the Office efficiently captures the data, the Office specifies a particular format to be used. The Office also provides a fillable form (PTO/AIA/14 for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012 and PTO/SB/14 for applications filed prior to September 16, 2012) on the Office’s website, which contains the bibliographic data arranged in the specified format. The Office’s fillable form is designed to be completed electronically and then filed via Patent Center or in paper. However, the data will only load directly into the USPTO patent electronic system when the PTO/AIA/14 or PTO/SB/14 is submitted as a Fillable Form, rather than a scanned portable document format (PDF) image.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.52AIA Effective DatesAssignee as Applicant SignatureAIA Overview and Effective Dates
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-601-05-0cc39787513972e72a2acc48]
Application Data Sheet Format Required for Filing
Note:
The Office requires a specific format for application data sheets to ensure efficient data capture during patent filing.

When an application data sheet is provided in a patent application, the application data sheet becomes part of the application and must comply with 37 CFR 1.52. While the use of an application data sheet is not always required (see MPEP §§ 601.05(a) and 601.05(b)), the Office prefers its use in all applications to help facilitate the electronic capturing of important data. When an ADS is optional, the data that is suggested to be supplied by way of an application data sheet can also be provided elsewhere in the application papers, but it is to applicant’s advantage to submit the data via an application data sheet. To help ensure that the Office efficiently captures the data, the Office specifies a particular format to be used. The Office also provides a fillable form (PTO/AIA/14 for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012 and PTO/SB/14 for applications filed prior to September 16, 2012) on the Office’s website, which contains the bibliographic data arranged in the specified format. The Office’s fillable form is designed to be completed electronically and then filed via Patent Center or in paper. However, the data will only load directly into the USPTO patent electronic system when the PTO/AIA/14 or PTO/SB/14 is submitted as a Fillable Form, rather than a scanned portable document format (PDF) image.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.52AIA Effective DatesAssignee as Applicant SignatureAIA Overview and Effective Dates
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-601-05-6a916ebf5b01ffe15363e24f]
Application Data Sheet Required for Filing
Note:
For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, an application data sheet in the specified format (PTO/AIA/14) must be submitted via Patent Center or in paper.

When an application data sheet is provided in a patent application, the application data sheet becomes part of the application and must comply with 37 CFR 1.52. While the use of an application data sheet is not always required (see MPEP §§ 601.05(a) and 601.05(b)), the Office prefers its use in all applications to help facilitate the electronic capturing of important data. When an ADS is optional, the data that is suggested to be supplied by way of an application data sheet can also be provided elsewhere in the application papers, but it is to applicant’s advantage to submit the data via an application data sheet. To help ensure that the Office efficiently captures the data, the Office specifies a particular format to be used. The Office also provides a fillable form (PTO/AIA/14 for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012 and PTO/SB/14 for applications filed prior to September 16, 2012) on the Office’s website, which contains the bibliographic data arranged in the specified format. The Office’s fillable form is designed to be completed electronically and then filed via Patent Center or in paper. However, the data will only load directly into the USPTO patent electronic system when the PTO/AIA/14 or PTO/SB/14 is submitted as a Fillable Form, rather than a scanned portable document format (PDF) image.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.52AIA Effective DatesAIA Overview and Effective DatesAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-601-05-d44a6c75b26b6aed82ff5c53]
Option for Filing Web-based Application Data Sheet
Note:
Applicants can use the enhanced Web-based version of the Application Data Sheet (ADS) for new utility or design applications, and certain existing applications filed on or after September 16, 2012.

In addition to the Office’s fillable form, applicants have the option to utilize the enhanced Web-based version of the ADS for submission of an ADS with the filing of a new utility or design application. For more information, see the “Quick Start Guide for Web-based Application Data Sheet (Web ADS)” available at www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/ patent-center. If the applicant is a registered filer of Patent Center, a Web-based corrected ADS is also available for use for certain existing applications filed on or after September 16, 2012. A corrected Web-based ADS is not permitted in international applications, national stage applications under 35 U.S.C. 371, provisional applications, plant applications, reexamination proceedings, and supplemental examinations under 35 U.S.C. 257. The corrected Web-based ADS will be pre-populated with information of record. Therefore, applicants can type in the desired changes in the corrected Web-based ADS and the system will create a PDF version with the appropriate strike-through and underlining.

Jump to MPEP SourceAIA Effective DatesNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-601-05-54e393aba7ce73c2c9109a9e]
Web-Based Corrected ADS Available for Certain Existing Applications Filed After September 16, 2012
Note:
This rule permits registered Patent Center filers to use a web-based corrected Application Data Sheet (ADS) for certain existing applications filed on or after September 16, 2012.

In addition to the Office’s fillable form, applicants have the option to utilize the enhanced Web-based version of the ADS for submission of an ADS with the filing of a new utility or design application. For more information, see the “Quick Start Guide for Web-based Application Data Sheet (Web ADS)” available at www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/ patent-center. If the applicant is a registered filer of Patent Center, a Web-based corrected ADS is also available for use for certain existing applications filed on or after September 16, 2012. A corrected Web-based ADS is not permitted in international applications, national stage applications under 35 U.S.C. 371, provisional applications, plant applications, reexamination proceedings, and supplemental examinations under 35 U.S.C. 257. The corrected Web-based ADS will be pre-populated with information of record. Therefore, applicants can type in the desired changes in the corrected Web-based ADS and the system will create a PDF version with the appropriate strike-through and underlining.

Jump to MPEP SourceAIA Effective DatesSignature RequirementsAssignee as Applicant Signature
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-601-05-07e730dd325af0fc1c806bf2]
Corrected Web-based ADS Required for New Utility Applications
Note:
Applicants must use the pre-populated corrected Web-based ADS for new utility applications, unless they are not permitted in certain types of applications.

In addition to the Office’s fillable form, applicants have the option to utilize the enhanced Web-based version of the ADS for submission of an ADS with the filing of a new utility or design application. For more information, see the “Quick Start Guide for Web-based Application Data Sheet (Web ADS)” available at www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/ patent-center. If the applicant is a registered filer of Patent Center, a Web-based corrected ADS is also available for use for certain existing applications filed on or after September 16, 2012. A corrected Web-based ADS is not permitted in international applications, national stage applications under 35 U.S.C. 371, provisional applications, plant applications, reexamination proceedings, and supplemental examinations under 35 U.S.C. 257. The corrected Web-based ADS will be pre-populated with information of record. Therefore, applicants can type in the desired changes in the corrected Web-based ADS and the system will create a PDF version with the appropriate strike-through and underlining.

Jump to MPEP SourceAIA Effective DatesNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-601-05-9fc1e34299e7400b4e4be944]
Corrected Web-based ADS Must Be Pre-populated
Note:
Applicants must type desired changes in the pre-populated corrected Web-based ADS, which will automatically create a PDF with strike-through and underlining.

In addition to the Office’s fillable form, applicants have the option to utilize the enhanced Web-based version of the ADS for submission of an ADS with the filing of a new utility or design application. For more information, see the “Quick Start Guide for Web-based Application Data Sheet (Web ADS)” available at www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/ patent-center. If the applicant is a registered filer of Patent Center, a Web-based corrected ADS is also available for use for certain existing applications filed on or after September 16, 2012. A corrected Web-based ADS is not permitted in international applications, national stage applications under 35 U.S.C. 371, provisional applications, plant applications, reexamination proceedings, and supplemental examinations under 35 U.S.C. 257. The corrected Web-based ADS will be pre-populated with information of record. Therefore, applicants can type in the desired changes in the corrected Web-based ADS and the system will create a PDF version with the appropriate strike-through and underlining.
-populated with information of record Therefore, applicants can type in the desired changes in the corrected Web-based ADS and the system will create a PDF version with the appropriate strike-through and underlining.

Jump to MPEP SourceAIA Effective DatesNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
Topic

Assignee as Applicant Signature

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-601-05-32d8e15a48df098250f6b4b5]
Optional ADS Can Provide Suggested Data Elsewhere
Note:
When an Application Data Sheet is optional, suggested data can be provided elsewhere in the application papers but submitting via the ADS is to the applicant's advantage.

When an application data sheet is provided in a patent application, the application data sheet becomes part of the application and must comply with 37 CFR 1.52. While the use of an application data sheet is not always required (see MPEP §§ 601.05(a) and 601.05(b)), the Office prefers its use in all applications to help facilitate the electronic capturing of important data. When an ADS is optional, the data that is suggested to be supplied by way of an application data sheet can also be provided elsewhere in the application papers, but it is to applicant’s advantage to submit the data via an application data sheet. To help ensure that the Office efficiently captures the data, the Office specifies a particular format to be used. The Office also provides a fillable form (PTO/AIA/14 for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012 and PTO/SB/14 for applications filed prior to September 16, 2012) on the Office’s website, which contains the bibliographic data arranged in the specified format. The Office’s fillable form is designed to be completed electronically and then filed via Patent Center or in paper. However, the data will only load directly into the USPTO patent electronic system when the PTO/AIA/14 or PTO/SB/14 is submitted as a Fillable Form, rather than a scanned portable document format (PDF) image.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.52Assignee as Applicant SignatureApplicant and Assignee Filing Under AIAAIA Effective Dates
Topic

AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-601-05-e1c6802d776c59f33c4b40c8]
Application Data Sheet Required for Filing as Fillable Form
Note:
The Office requires the PTO/AIA/14 or PTO/SB/14 to be submitted as a fillable form for data to load directly into the USPTO patent electronic system.

When an application data sheet is provided in a patent application, the application data sheet becomes part of the application and must comply with 37 CFR 1.52. While the use of an application data sheet is not always required (see MPEP §§ 601.05(a) and 601.05(b)), the Office prefers its use in all applications to help facilitate the electronic capturing of important data. When an ADS is optional, the data that is suggested to be supplied by way of an application data sheet can also be provided elsewhere in the application papers, but it is to applicant’s advantage to submit the data via an application data sheet. To help ensure that the Office efficiently captures the data, the Office specifies a particular format to be used. The Office also provides a fillable form (PTO/AIA/14 for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012 and PTO/SB/14 for applications filed prior to September 16, 2012) on the Office’s website, which contains the bibliographic data arranged in the specified format. The Office’s fillable form is designed to be completed electronically and then filed via Patent Center or in paper. However, the data will only load directly into the USPTO patent electronic system when the PTO/AIA/14 or PTO/SB/14 is submitted as a Fillable Form, rather than a scanned portable document format (PDF) image.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.52AIA vs Pre-AIA PracticeAIA Effective DatesAssignee as Applicant Signature
Topic

Request Content and Form

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-601-05-8cbb0ecfdfd22dfca3371caf]
Option for Filing New Utility or Design Application Using Web-Based ADS
Note:
Applicants can use the enhanced web-based version of the ADS when filing new utility or design applications, in addition to the Office’s fillable form.

In addition to the Office’s fillable form, applicants have the option to utilize the enhanced Web-based version of the ADS for submission of an ADS with the filing of a new utility or design application. For more information, see the “Quick Start Guide for Web-based Application Data Sheet (Web ADS)” available at www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/ patent-center. If the applicant is a registered filer of Patent Center, a Web-based corrected ADS is also available for use for certain existing applications filed on or after September 16, 2012. A corrected Web-based ADS is not permitted in international applications, national stage applications under 35 U.S.C. 371, provisional applications, plant applications, reexamination proceedings, and supplemental examinations under 35 U.S.C. 257. The corrected Web-based ADS will be pre-populated with information of record. Therefore, applicants can type in the desired changes in the corrected Web-based ADS and the system will create a PDF version with the appropriate strike-through and underlining.

Jump to MPEP SourceRequest Content and FormPCT International Application FilingPCT Request Form
Topic

Nationals and Residents

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-601-05-6d5d3ce2eb6ac95be093375c]
Web-Based ADS Not Allowed In Specific Applications And Proceedings
Note:
A corrected Web-based Application Data Sheet is not permitted in international applications, national stage applications under 35 U.S.C. 371, provisional applications, plant applications, reexamination proceedings, and supplemental examinations under 35 U.S.C. 257.

In addition to the Office’s fillable form, applicants have the option to utilize the enhanced Web-based version of the ADS for submission of an ADS with the filing of a new utility or design application. For more information, see the “Quick Start Guide for Web-based Application Data Sheet (Web ADS)” available at www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/ patent-center. If the applicant is a registered filer of Patent Center, a Web-based corrected ADS is also available for use for certain existing applications filed on or after September 16, 2012. A corrected Web-based ADS is not permitted in international applications, national stage applications under 35 U.S.C. 371, provisional applications, plant applications, reexamination proceedings, and supplemental examinations under 35 U.S.C. 257. The corrected Web-based ADS will be pre-populated with information of record. Therefore, applicants can type in the desired changes in the corrected Web-based ADS and the system will create a PDF version with the appropriate strike-through and underlining.

Jump to MPEP SourceNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)Amendments in National Stage

Citations

Primary topicCitation
AIA Effective Dates35 U.S.C. § 111(a)
AIA Effective Dates35 U.S.C. § 111(b)
AIA Effective Dates
Nationals and Residents
Request Content and Form
35 U.S.C. § 257
AIA Effective Dates
Nationals and Residents
Request Content and Form
35 U.S.C. § 371
AIA Effective Dates
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Assignee as Applicant Signature
37 CFR § 1.52
AIA Effective Dates37 CFR § 1.76
AIA Effective Dates
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Assignee as Applicant Signature
MPEP § 601.05(a)
AIA Effective DatesMPEP § 601.05(b)

Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP

This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31