MPEP § 1893.01 — Commencement and Entry (Annotated Rules)

§1893.01 Commencement and Entry

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2026-01-17

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1893.01, 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.

Commencement and Entry

This section addresses Commencement and Entry. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 371, 35 U.S.C. 363, and 35 U.S.C. 371(f). Contains: 13 requirements, 2 permissions, and 1 other statement.

Key Rules

Topic

Nationals and Residents

10 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-fa0b14d46cd995eb31a85142]
Requirements for National Stage Compliance
Note:
The national fee, translation, and oath must be submitted by the start of the national stage or as directed by the Director.

(d) The requirement with respect to the national fee referred to in subsection (c)(1), the translation referred to in subsection (c)(2), and the oath or declaration referred to in subsection (c)(4) of this section shall be complied with by the date of the commencement of the national stage or by such later time as may be fixed by the Director. The copy of the international application referred to in subsection (c)(2) shall be submitted by the date of the commencement of the national stage. Failure to comply with these requirements shall be regarded as abandonment of the application by the parties thereof, unless it be shown to the satisfaction of the Director that such failure to comply was unavoidable. The payment of a surcharge may be required as a condition of accepting the national fee referred to in subsection (c)(1) or the oath or declaration referred to in subsection (c)(4) of this section if these requirements are not met by the date of the commencement of the national stage. The requirements of subsection (c)(3) of this section shall be complied with by the date of the commencement of the national stage, and failure to do so shall be regarded as a cancellation of the amendments to the claims in the international application made under article 19 of the treaty. The requirement of subsection (c)(5) shall be complied with at such time as may be fixed by the Director and failure to do so shall be regarded as cancellation of the amendments made under article 34(2)(b) of the treaty.

Jump to MPEP SourceNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)Oath/Declaration in National Stage
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-cb55155da4fc9824792defe2]
Copy of International Application Must Be Submitted by Commencement Date
Note:
The copy of the international application must be submitted on the date national stage commences. Failure to do so results in abandonment unless it can be shown that such failure was unavoidable.

(d) The requirement with respect to the national fee referred to in subsection (c)(1), the translation referred to in subsection (c)(2), and the oath or declaration referred to in subsection (c)(4) of this section shall be complied with by the date of the commencement of the national stage or by such later time as may be fixed by the Director. The copy of the international application referred to in subsection (c)(2) shall be submitted by the date of the commencement of the national stage. Failure to comply with these requirements shall be regarded as abandonment of the application by the parties thereof, unless it be shown to the satisfaction of the Director that such failure to comply was unavoidable. The payment of a surcharge may be required as a condition of accepting the national fee referred to in subsection (c)(1) or the oath or declaration referred to in subsection (c)(4) of this section if these requirements are not met by the date of the commencement of the national stage. The requirements of subsection (c)(3) of this section shall be complied with by the date of the commencement of the national stage, and failure to do so shall be regarded as a cancellation of the amendments to the claims in the international application made under article 19 of the treaty. The requirement of subsection (c)(5) shall be complied with at such time as may be fixed by the Director and failure to do so shall be regarded as cancellation of the amendments made under article 34(2)(b) of the treaty.

Jump to MPEP SourceNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)National Stage Entry Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-52948515d2e00780661b4814]
Surcharge for Missing National Fee or Oath/Declaration
Note:
A surcharge may be required if the national fee or oath/declaration is not submitted by the start of the national stage.

(d) The requirement with respect to the national fee referred to in subsection (c)(1), the translation referred to in subsection (c)(2), and the oath or declaration referred to in subsection (c)(4) of this section shall be complied with by the date of the commencement of the national stage or by such later time as may be fixed by the Director. The copy of the international application referred to in subsection (c)(2) shall be submitted by the date of the commencement of the national stage. Failure to comply with these requirements shall be regarded as abandonment of the application by the parties thereof, unless it be shown to the satisfaction of the Director that such failure to comply was unavoidable. The payment of a surcharge may be required as a condition of accepting the national fee referred to in subsection (c)(1) or the oath or declaration referred to in subsection (c)(4) of this section if these requirements are not met by the date of the commencement of the national stage. The requirements of subsection (c)(3) of this section shall be complied with by the date of the commencement of the national stage, and failure to do so shall be regarded as a cancellation of the amendments to the claims in the international application made under article 19 of the treaty. The requirement of subsection (c)(5) shall be complied with at such time as may be fixed by the Director and failure to do so shall be regarded as cancellation of the amendments made under article 34(2)(b) of the treaty.

Jump to MPEP SourceNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)Oath/Declaration in National Stage
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-0a690f52db6b5858386ee335]
Documents and Fees for National Stage Entry Required
Note:
Applicants must file the required documents and fees within the period set in § 1.495 to enter the national stage of an international application.

[Editor Note: Applicable to patent applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 363 on or after September 16, 2012]

(b) An international application enters the national stage when the applicant has filed the documents and fees required by 35 U.S.C. 371(c)(1) and (c)(2) within the period set in § 1.495.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.491Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)National Stage Entry Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-51c1632bde2fe6548c7a267d]
National Stage Commencement Requirement for International Applications
Note:
An international application meets U.S. patent requirements when the national stage has started and all 35 U.S.C. 371 conditions are satisfied.

[Editor Note: Applicable to patent applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 363 on or after September 16, 2012]

(c) An international application fulfills the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 371 when the national stage has commenced under 35 U.S.C. 371(b) or (f) and all applicable requirements of 35 U.S.C. 371 have been satisfied.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.491Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)National Stage Entry Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-75693aae024b1f58fd6b81b8]
Documents and Fees for National Stage Entry Required Within Time Limit
Note:
Applicants must file the necessary documents and fees by the deadline to enter an international application into the national stage.

[Editor Note: Applicable to patent applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 363 prior to September 16, 2012]

(b) An international application enters the national stage when the applicant has filed the documents and fees required by 35 U.S.C. 371(c) within the period set in § 1.495.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.491Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)National Stage Entry Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-9d7a96b87e315e1a2c6bb58e]
National Stage Commences Upon Expiration of PCT Time Limits
Note:
The national stage of a patent application commences upon the expiration of the applicable time limits under PCT Articles 22(1), 22(2), and 39(1)(a).

Subject to 35 U.S.C. 371(f), commencement of the national stage occurs upon expiration of the applicable time limit under PCT Article 22(1) or (2), or under PCT Article 39(1)(a). See 35 U.S.C. 371(b) and 37 CFR 1.491(a). PCT Articles 22(1), 22(2), and 39(1)(a) provide for a time limit of not later than the expiration of 30 months from the priority date. Thus, in the absence of an express request for early processing of an international application under 35 U.S.C. 371(f) and compliance with the conditions provided therein, the U.S. national stage will commence upon expiration of 30 months from the priority date of the international application. Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 371(f), the national stage may commence earlier than 30 months from the priority date, provided applicant makes an express request for early processing and has complied with the applicable requirements under 35 U.S.C. 371(c).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.491(a)Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)National Stage Entry Timing (30 Months)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-d8dce79939b5d9bcb88efa6d]
National Stage Commences After 30 Months From Priority Date
Note:
The U.S. national stage of a PCT application will commence after 30 months from the priority date unless early processing is requested and conditions are met.

Subject to 35 U.S.C. 371(f), commencement of the national stage occurs upon expiration of the applicable time limit under PCT Article 22(1) or (2), or under PCT Article 39(1)(a). See 35 U.S.C. 371(b) and 37 CFR 1.491(a). PCT Articles 22(1), 22(2), and 39(1)(a) provide for a time limit of not later than the expiration of 30 months from the priority date. Thus, in the absence of an express request for early processing of an international application under 35 U.S.C. 371(f) and compliance with the conditions provided therein, the U.S. national stage will commence upon expiration of 30 months from the priority date of the international application. Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 371(f), the national stage may commence earlier than 30 months from the priority date, provided applicant makes an express request for early processing and has complied with the applicable requirements under 35 U.S.C. 371(c).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.491(a)Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)National Stage Entry Timing (30 Months)
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1893-01-0be3ff79f2f60dcf3b734225]
Request for Early Processing Required for Earlier National Stage Commencement
Note:
The national stage can commence before the 30-month deadline if an applicant requests early processing and meets the requirements under 35 U.S.C. 371(c).

Subject to 35 U.S.C. 371(f), commencement of the national stage occurs upon expiration of the applicable time limit under PCT Article 22(1) or (2), or under PCT Article 39(1)(a). See 35 U.S.C. 371(b) and 37 CFR 1.491(a). PCT Articles 22(1), 22(2), and 39(1)(a) provide for a time limit of not later than the expiration of 30 months from the priority date. Thus, in the absence of an express request for early processing of an international application under 35 U.S.C. 371(f) and compliance with the conditions provided therein, the U.S. national stage will commence upon expiration of 30 months from the priority date of the international application. Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 371(f), the national stage may commence earlier than 30 months from the priority date, provided applicant makes an express request for early processing and has complied with the applicable requirements under 35 U.S.C. 371(c).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.491(a)Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)National Stage Entry Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1893-01-a6fa2bad1f6d37a7f73a72fe]
Entry into National Phase Upon Completion of Required Acts
Note:
The international application enters the U.S. national phase upon filing the required documents and fees within the specified period, as per 37 CFR 1.491(b).

Entry into the national stage occurs upon completion of certain acts, as provided in 37 CFR 1.491(b). For international applications having an international filing date before September 16, 2012, the international application enters the national stage when the applicant has filed the documents and fees required by 35 U.S.C. 371(c) within the period set in 37 CFR 1.495. For international applications having an international filing date on or after September 16, 2012, the international application enters the national stage when the applicant has filed the documents and fees required by 35 U.S.C. 371(c)(1) and (2) within the period set in 37 CFR 1.495. Thus, for international applications having an international filing date on or after September 16, 2012, submission of the oath or declaration of the inventor under 35 U.S.C. 371(c)(4) is not required to enter the U.S. national phase.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.491(b)Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)National Stage Entry Timing (30 Months)
Topic

AIA Effective Dates

4 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-283a3972d8eb70324547e092]
Requirement for National Stage Commencement Under AIA Effective Dates
Note:
The rule requires that the national stage of a patent application commence according to specific time limits and document requirements under AIA effective dates.
[Editor Note: Applicable to patent applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 363 on or after September 16, 2012]
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.491AIA Effective DatesAIA Overview and Effective DatesAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-c860c9bbaebf2632c1fdb125]
Requirement for National Stage Commencement Under PCT Article 22(1) or (2)
Note:
The national stage of a patent application must commence within the time limit set by PCT Article 22(1) or (2), subject to certain conditions.
[Editor Note: Applicable to patent applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 363 prior to September 16, 2012]
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.491AIA Effective DatesAIA Overview and Effective DatesAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-21a0961f323b1092129a0541]
Requirement for Filing Documents and Fees by Deadline
Note:
For international applications filed before September 16, 2012, the application enters the national stage when the required documents and fees are submitted within the specified period.

Entry into the national stage occurs upon completion of certain acts, as provided in 37 CFR 1.491(b). For international applications having an international filing date before September 16, 2012, the international application enters the national stage when the applicant has filed the documents and fees required by 35 U.S.C. 371(c) within the period set in 37 CFR 1.495. For international applications having an international filing date on or after September 16, 2012, the international application enters the national stage when the applicant has filed the documents and fees required by 35 U.S.C. 371(c)(1) and (2) within the period set in 37 CFR 1.495. Thus, for international applications having an international filing date on or after September 16, 2012, submission of the oath or declaration of the inventor under 35 U.S.C. 371(c)(4) is not required to enter the U.S. national phase.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.491(b)AIA Effective DatesInternational Filing DateNationals and Residents
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-245c3cf908a8de647ac0f5e7]
Oath or Declaration Not Needed for National Entry After September 16, 2012
Note:
For international applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, the oath or declaration of the inventor is not required to enter the U.S. national phase.

Entry into the national stage occurs upon completion of certain acts, as provided in 37 CFR 1.491(b). For international applications having an international filing date before September 16, 2012, the international application enters the national stage when the applicant has filed the documents and fees required by 35 U.S.C. 371(c) within the period set in 37 CFR 1.495. For international applications having an international filing date on or after September 16, 2012, the international application enters the national stage when the applicant has filed the documents and fees required by 35 U.S.C. 371(c)(1) and (2) within the period set in 37 CFR 1.495. Thus, for international applications having an international filing date on or after September 16, 2012, submission of the oath or declaration of the inventor under 35 U.S.C. 371(c)(4) is not required to enter the U.S. national phase.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.491(b)AIA Effective DatesInternational Filing DateNationals and Residents
Topic

Article 19 Amendment Scope

3 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-ed4dfd45d8991844fbc25066]
Copies of International Applications Required for U.S. Designation
Note:
Copies of international applications, including amendments to claims and search reports, must be received from the International Bureau if designating or electing the United States.

(a) Receipt from the International Bureau of copies of international applications with any amendments to the claims, international search reports, and international preliminary examination reports including any annexes thereto may be required in the case of international applications designating or electing the United States.

Jump to MPEP SourceArticle 19 Amendment ScopeArticle 34 AmendmentsInternational Searching Authority (ISA)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-8d5fe3ee4849aaea59227128]
Amendments to Claims Under Article 19 Must Be Filed by National Stage Commencement
Note:
The amendments to claims made under article 19 of the treaty must be filed by the date of the commencement of the national stage, or they will be canceled.

(d) The requirement with respect to the national fee referred to in subsection (c)(1), the translation referred to in subsection (c)(2), and the oath or declaration referred to in subsection (c)(4) of this section shall be complied with by the date of the commencement of the national stage or by such later time as may be fixed by the Director. The copy of the international application referred to in subsection (c)(2) shall be submitted by the date of the commencement of the national stage. Failure to comply with these requirements shall be regarded as abandonment of the application by the parties thereof, unless it be shown to the satisfaction of the Director that such failure to comply was unavoidable. The payment of a surcharge may be required as a condition of accepting the national fee referred to in subsection (c)(1) or the oath or declaration referred to in subsection (c)(4) of this section if these requirements are not met by the date of the commencement of the national stage. The requirements of subsection (c)(3) of this section shall be complied with by the date of the commencement of the national stage, and failure to do so shall be regarded as a cancellation of the amendments to the claims in the international application made under article 19 of the treaty. The requirement of subsection (c)(5) shall be complied with at such time as may be fixed by the Director and failure to do so shall be regarded as cancellation of the amendments made under article 34(2)(b) of the treaty.

Jump to MPEP SourceArticle 19 Amendment ScopeNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1893-01-b3316bbfd015b926cf78c345]
Specification, Claims, and Drawings Amendments Allowed After National Stage
Note:
The applicant can modify the specification, claims, and drawings of an international application after it enters the national stage.

(e) After an international application has entered the national stage, no patent may be granted or refused thereon before the expiration of the applicable time limit under article 28 or article 41 of the treaty, except with the express consent of the applicant. The applicant may present amendments to the specification, claims, and drawings of the application after the national stage has commenced.

Jump to MPEP SourceArticle 19 Amendment ScopeNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
Topic

National Stage Entry Timing (30 Months)

3 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-e28afc8b83c3a310390c6227]
National Stage Commences After Time Limit
Note:
The national stage of a patent application commences after the expiration of specific time limits set by articles 22(1) or (2), and article 39(1)(a) of the treaty.

(b) Subject to subsection (f) of this section, the national stage shall commence with the expiration of the applicable time limit under article 22(1) or (2), or under article 39(1)(a) of the treaty.

Jump to MPEP SourceNational Stage Entry Timing (30 Months)Amendments in National StageNational Stage Entry
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-9702e03c2591aa877b2de307]
National Stage Commences After PCT Time Limits
Note:
The national stage of a patent application begins after the expiration of specific time limits set by PCT Articles 22 and 39.

[Editor Note: Applicable to patent applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 363 on or after September 16, 2012] (a) Subject to 35 U.S.C. 371(f), the national stage shall commence with the expiration of the applicable time limit under PCT Article 22(1) or (2), or under PCT Article 39(1)(a).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.491National Stage Entry Timing (30 Months)Amendments in National StageNational Stage Entry
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-e97fa04294a62d986ddb99e2]
National Stage Commences After PCT Time Limits
Note:
The national stage of a patent application commences after the expiration of time limits set by PCT Articles 22(1) or (2), and Article 39(1)(a).

[Editor Note: Applicable to patent applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 363 prior to September 16, 2012] (a) Subject to 35 U.S.C. 371(f), the national stage shall commence with the expiration of the applicable time limit under PCT Article 22(1) or (2), or under PCT Article 39(1)(a).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.491National Stage Entry Timing (30 Months)Amendments in National StageNational Stage Entry
Topic

Receiving Office (RO/US)

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-23820464c9919ac80d3176a7]
Requirements for Filing International Applications
Note:
The applicant must file the national fee, international application (and translation if in another language), amendments to claims (if made under article 19 of the treaty and not communicated by the International Bureau), inventor’s oath or declaration, and translations of annexes from other languages.
(c) The applicant shall file in the Patent and Trademark Office —
  • (1) the national fee provided in section 41(a);
  • (2) a copy of the international application, unless not required under subsection (a) of this section or already communicated by the International Bureau, and a translation into the English language of the international application, if it was filed in another language;
  • (3) amendments, if any, to the claims in the international application, made under article 19 of the treaty, unless such amendments have been communicated to the Patent and Trademark Office by the International Bureau, and a translation into the English language if such amendments were made in another language;
  • (4) an oath or declaration of the inventor (or other person authorized under chapter 11) complying with the requirements of section 115 and with regulations prescribed for oaths or declarations of applicants;
  • (5) a translation into the English language of any annexes to the international preliminary examination report, if such annexes were made in another language.
Jump to MPEP SourceReceiving Office (RO/US)Amendments in National StageNational Stage Entry
Topic

Intervening Rights After Reinstatement

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1893-01-1106c2239e916e14c42b8be3]
Director's Time to Comply for Amendments
Note:
The amendments made under Article 34(2)(b) of the treaty must be complied with within a time frame set by the Director, and failure to do so will result in cancellation.

(d) The requirement with respect to the national fee referred to in subsection (c)(1), the translation referred to in subsection (c)(2), and the oath or declaration referred to in subsection (c)(4) of this section shall be complied with by the date of the commencement of the national stage or by such later time as may be fixed by the Director. The copy of the international application referred to in subsection (c)(2) shall be submitted by the date of the commencement of the national stage. Failure to comply with these requirements shall be regarded as abandonment of the application by the parties thereof, unless it be shown to the satisfaction of the Director that such failure to comply was unavoidable. The payment of a surcharge may be required as a condition of accepting the national fee referred to in subsection (c)(1) or the oath or declaration referred to in subsection (c)(4) of this section if these requirements are not met by the date of the commencement of the national stage. The requirements of subsection (c)(3) of this section shall be complied with by the date of the commencement of the national stage, and failure to do so shall be regarded as a cancellation of the amendments to the claims in the international application made under article 19 of the treaty. The requirement of subsection (c)(5) shall be complied with at such time as may be fixed by the Director and failure to do so shall be regarded as cancellation of the amendments made under article 34(2)(b) of the treaty.

Jump to MPEP SourceIntervening Rights After ReinstatementNational Stage EntryPatent Cooperation Treaty
Topic

Article 19 Amendment Timing

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1893-01-35c529a348f7ea71b10988f6]
No Patent Before Time Limit Except Consent
Note:
A patent cannot be granted or refused on an international application in the national stage before the time limit under Article 28 or 41, unless the applicant consents.

(e) After an international application has entered the national stage, no patent may be granted or refused thereon before the expiration of the applicable time limit under article 28 or article 41 of the treaty, except with the express consent of the applicant. The applicant may present amendments to the specification, claims, and drawings of the application after the national stage has commenced.

Jump to MPEP SourceArticle 19 Amendment TimingNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
Topic

National Stage Entry Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1893-01-70d893d0fc6076afd410e169]
National Stage May Begin Upon Applicant Request
Note:
The national stage of processing can commence at any time as long as the application meets the necessary requirements and is requested by the applicant.

(f) At the express request of the applicant, the national stage of processing may be commenced at any time at which the application is in order for such purpose and the applicable requirements of subsection (c) of this section have been complied with.

Jump to MPEP SourceNational Stage Entry RequirementsAmendments in National StageRequest Content and Form

Citations

Primary topicCitation
AIA Effective Dates
National Stage Entry Timing (30 Months)
Nationals and Residents
35 U.S.C. § 363
AIA Effective Dates
Nationals and Residents
35 U.S.C. § 371
AIA Effective Dates
Nationals and Residents
35 U.S.C. § 371(b)
AIA Effective Dates
Nationals and Residents
35 U.S.C. § 371(c)
AIA Effective Dates
Nationals and Residents
35 U.S.C. § 371(c)(1)
AIA Effective Dates
Nationals and Residents
35 U.S.C. § 371(c)(4)
AIA Effective Dates
National Stage Entry Timing (30 Months)
Nationals and Residents
35 U.S.C. § 371(f)
Nationals and Residents37 CFR § 1.491(a)
AIA Effective Dates
Nationals and Residents
37 CFR § 1.491(b)
AIA Effective Dates
Nationals and Residents
37 CFR § 1.495
AIA Effective Dates
National Stage Entry Timing (30 Months)
Nationals and Residents
PCT Articles 22(1)
AIA Effective Dates
National Stage Entry Timing (30 Months)
Nationals and Residents
PCT Article 39(1)(a)

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: 2026-01-17