MPEP § 1895.01 — Handling of and Considerations in the Handling of Continuations, Divisions, and Continuations-In-Part of PCT Applications (Annotated Rules)

§1895.01 Handling of and Considerations in the Handling of Continuations, Divisions, and Continuations-In-Part of PCT Applications

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1895.01, 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.

Handling of and Considerations in the Handling of Continuations, Divisions, and Continuations-In-Part of PCT Applications

This section addresses Handling of and Considerations in the Handling of Continuations, Divisions, and Continuations-In-Part of PCT Applications. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 365(c), 35 U.S.C. 111(a), and 35 U.S.C. 371. Contains: 8 requirements and 9 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

International Filing Date

5 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1895-01-fa6ff715d53807f3c2d58f77]
Specific Reference to Parent International Application Required
Note:
The specific reference to the parent international application must identify its number, filing date, and relationship (continuation, continuation-in-part, or division).

With regard to (A), if the continuing application was filed prior to September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must either be contained in the first sentence(s) of the specification following the title or included in an application data sheet. See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and 37 CFR 1.78(h). If the continuing application was filed on or after September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must be contained in an application data sheet. 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2). The specific reference must identify the parent international application by international application number and international filing date and indicate the relationship of the applications (i.e., continuation, continuation-in-part, or division). See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and MPEP § 211.02. The required reference must be submitted within the time period provided by 37 CFR 1.78(d)(3). This time period is not extendable. A certified copy of the international application (and an English translation of the international application) may be required by the examiner to perfect the claim for benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) if the international application did not originate in the United States and such is necessary, for example, where an intervening reference is found and applied in a rejection of one or more claims. If the international application was published by the International Bureau pursuant to PCT Article 21, then a certified copy would not normally be necessary.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2)International Filing DateReference to Prior ApplicationPCT International Application Filing
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1895-01-a9924b69c311faa2aa376ada]
U.S. National Application Copending with International Application Designating U.S.
Note:
A U.S. national application is considered copending with a prior international application designating the U.S. if the international application was pending on the filing date of the U.S. national application.

With regard to (B), a U.S. national application is considered copending with a prior international application designating the U.S. if the international application was pending on the filing date of the U.S. national application. Generally, except in cases where the international application has been withdrawn (either generally or as to the United States), an international application becomes abandoned as to the United States upon expiration of 30 months from the priority date (i.e., the priority date claimed in the international application or, if no priority is claimed, the international filing date) unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase is filed prior to the expiration of this 30-month period. See MPEP §§ 1893.01(a)(1) and 1893.02. However, if the international application is one where the 20-month period from the priority date expired before April 1, 2002, then it was necessary to file a demand electing the United States prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date in order to extend the international phase to 30 months from the priority date. If such a demand was not timely filed, then under former 37 CFR 1.494, such an international application became abandoned at the expiration of 20 months from the priority date unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase was made prior to the expiration of 20 months from the priority date. Accordingly, if the international application is not subject to the filing of a demand in order to delay entry into the U.S. national phase to 30 months from the priority date, then a national application filed prior to the expiration of this 30 month period will be copending with the international application unless the international application was withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing of the national application. To determine whether the application was withdrawn, the examiner must either review the Home Copy of the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office), or require applicant to certify that the international application was not withdrawn or considered to be withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing date of the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to such international application. In order to expedite examination, applicant should certify at the time of filing a national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to an international application that the international application has not been withdrawn. If the national application claiming benefit to the international application was filed after the expiration of this 30-month period, then there will be no copendency in the absence of a timely and proper submission to enter the U.S. national phase under 35 U.S.C. 371. The existence of a national stage application may be checked through the Patent Data Portal and the records of the national stage application should be consulted to verify copendency. Additionally, if the 20-month period from the priority date of the international application expired before April 1, 2002 and the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) was filed later than 20 months from the priority date of the international application, the applicant may be required to submit proof of the filing of a demand electing the United States within 19 months from the priority date. This proof may be in the form of a copy of the “Notification of Receipt of Demand by Competent International Preliminary Examining Authority” (Form PCT/IPEA/402) showing the demand was received prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date, and a copy of the “Notification Concerning Elected Offices Notified of Their Election” (Form PCT/IB/332) showing the election of the United States. If the parent international application was not copending (i.e., abandoned or withdrawn), benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 is not possible.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.494International Filing DateEffect of International FilingNationals and Residents
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1895-01-bfddc798116881c0d2011e7b]
Examiner Must Verify International Application Not Withdrawn Before National Filing
Note:
The examiner must review the Home Copy of the international application file or require certification that it was not withdrawn before the national filing date.

With regard to (B), a U.S. national application is considered copending with a prior international application designating the U.S. if the international application was pending on the filing date of the U.S. national application. Generally, except in cases where the international application has been withdrawn (either generally or as to the United States), an international application becomes abandoned as to the United States upon expiration of 30 months from the priority date (i.e., the priority date claimed in the international application or, if no priority is claimed, the international filing date) unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase is filed prior to the expiration of this 30-month period. See MPEP §§ 1893.01(a)(1) and 1893.02. However, if the international application is one where the 20-month period from the priority date expired before April 1, 2002, then it was necessary to file a demand electing the United States prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date in order to extend the international phase to 30 months from the priority date. If such a demand was not timely filed, then under former 37 CFR 1.494, such an international application became abandoned at the expiration of 20 months from the priority date unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase was made prior to the expiration of 20 months from the priority date. Accordingly, if the international application is not subject to the filing of a demand in order to delay entry into the U.S. national phase to 30 months from the priority date, then a national application filed prior to the expiration of this 30 month period will be copending with the international application unless the international application was withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing of the national application. To determine whether the application was withdrawn, the examiner must either review the Home Copy of the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office), or require applicant to certify that the international application was not withdrawn or considered to be withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing date of the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to such international application. In order to expedite examination, applicant should certify at the time of filing a national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to an international application that the international application has not been withdrawn. If the national application claiming benefit to the international application was filed after the expiration of this 30-month period, then there will be no copendency in the absence of a timely and proper submission to enter the U.S. national phase under 35 U.S.C. 371. The existence of a national stage application may be checked through the Patent Data Portal and the records of the national stage application should be consulted to verify copendency. Additionally, if the 20-month period from the priority date of the international application expired before April 1, 2002 and the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) was filed later than 20 months from the priority date of the international application, the applicant may be required to submit proof of the filing of a demand electing the United States within 19 months from the priority date. This proof may be in the form of a copy of the “Notification of Receipt of Demand by Competent International Preliminary Examining Authority” (Form PCT/IPEA/402) showing the demand was received prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date, and a copy of the “Notification Concerning Elected Offices Notified of Their Election” (Form PCT/IB/332) showing the election of the United States. If the parent international application was not copending (i.e., abandoned or withdrawn), benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 is not possible.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.494International Filing DateEffect of International FilingNationals and Residents
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1895-01-f135872906790f7fabe1cca2]
Foreign Priority Claim Must Be Made In Continuing Application
Note:
A claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d) must be included in the continuing application to benefit from the filing date of a prior foreign application, regardless of whether such claim was made in the parent international application.

A claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) – (d) must be made in the continuing application in order to obtain the benefit of the filing date of the prior filed foreign application. This is true regardless of whether such a claim was made in the parent international application. A foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if the continuing application or the parent international application was filed not later than 12 months after the filing date of the foreign application. See 37 CFR 1.55(b). In addition, a foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if the continuing application or the parent international application was filed after expiration of the 12 month period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(b) but within two months from such expiration, if the right of priority is restored under 37 CFR 1.55(c). The required claim must be made within the time period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(d)(1). This time period is not extendable. See MPEP § 214.01. A certified copy of any foreign priority document must be provided by the applicant unless the requirements of 37 CFR 1.55(h) or 37 CFR 1.55(i) have been met or the parent international application has entered the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 and the national stage application contains the priority document from the International Bureau. See MPEP § 1893.03(c). In the latter case, the applicant, in the continuing application, may state that the priority document is contained in the national stage application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.55(b)International Filing DateOrdering Certified CopiesPCT International Application Filing
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1895-01-ba6efb5e95bd932d06536b1d]
Foreign Priority Claim Must Be Filed Within 12 Months
Note:
A foreign priority claim is valid in a continuing application if the parent international or continuing application was filed within 12 months of the foreign application's filing date.

A claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) – (d) must be made in the continuing application in order to obtain the benefit of the filing date of the prior filed foreign application. This is true regardless of whether such a claim was made in the parent international application. A foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if the continuing application or the parent international application was filed not later than 12 months after the filing date of the foreign application. See 37 CFR 1.55(b). In addition, a foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if the continuing application or the parent international application was filed after expiration of the 12 month period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(b) but within two months from such expiration, if the right of priority is restored under 37 CFR 1.55(c). The required claim must be made within the time period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(d)(1). This time period is not extendable. See MPEP § 214.01. A certified copy of any foreign priority document must be provided by the applicant unless the requirements of 37 CFR 1.55(h) or 37 CFR 1.55(i) have been met or the parent international application has entered the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 and the national stage application contains the priority document from the International Bureau. See MPEP § 1893.03(c). In the latter case, the applicant, in the continuing application, may state that the priority document is contained in the national stage application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.55(b)International Filing DatePCT International Application FilingForeign Priority Claims
Topic

Access to National Stage Applications

5 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1895-01-e7223c9add3cc0be7c2cca62]
30-Month Abandonment for International Applications
Note:
An international application becomes abandoned in the U.S. after 30 months from the priority date unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 is filed before expiration.

With regard to (B), a U.S. national application is considered copending with a prior international application designating the U.S. if the international application was pending on the filing date of the U.S. national application. Generally, except in cases where the international application has been withdrawn (either generally or as to the United States), an international application becomes abandoned as to the United States upon expiration of 30 months from the priority date (i.e., the priority date claimed in the international application or, if no priority is claimed, the international filing date) unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase is filed prior to the expiration of this 30-month period. See MPEP §§ 1893.01(a)(1) and 1893.02. However, if the international application is one where the 20-month period from the priority date expired before April 1, 2002, then it was necessary to file a demand electing the United States prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date in order to extend the international phase to 30 months from the priority date. If such a demand was not timely filed, then under former 37 CFR 1.494, such an international application became abandoned at the expiration of 20 months from the priority date unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase was made prior to the expiration of 20 months from the priority date. Accordingly, if the international application is not subject to the filing of a demand in order to delay entry into the U.S. national phase to 30 months from the priority date, then a national application filed prior to the expiration of this 30 month period will be copending with the international application unless the international application was withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing of the national application. To determine whether the application was withdrawn, the examiner must either review the Home Copy of the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office), or require applicant to certify that the international application was not withdrawn or considered to be withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing date of the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to such international application. In order to expedite examination, applicant should certify at the time of filing a national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to an international application that the international application has not been withdrawn. If the national application claiming benefit to the international application was filed after the expiration of this 30-month period, then there will be no copendency in the absence of a timely and proper submission to enter the U.S. national phase under 35 U.S.C. 371. The existence of a national stage application may be checked through the Patent Data Portal and the records of the national stage application should be consulted to verify copendency. Additionally, if the 20-month period from the priority date of the international application expired before April 1, 2002 and the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) was filed later than 20 months from the priority date of the international application, the applicant may be required to submit proof of the filing of a demand electing the United States within 19 months from the priority date. This proof may be in the form of a copy of the “Notification of Receipt of Demand by Competent International Preliminary Examining Authority” (Form PCT/IPEA/402) showing the demand was received prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date, and a copy of the “Notification Concerning Elected Offices Notified of Their Election” (Form PCT/IB/332) showing the election of the United States. If the parent international application was not copending (i.e., abandoned or withdrawn), benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 is not possible.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.494Access to National Stage ApplicationsInternational Filing DateNationals and Residents
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1895-01-bb386cf4beb819fb6824159f]
Demand for U.S. National Phase Must Be Filed Timely
Note:
If a demand to enter the U.S. national phase was not filed within 19 months from the priority date, the international application becomes abandoned unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 is made before the 20-month deadline.

With regard to (B), a U.S. national application is considered copending with a prior international application designating the U.S. if the international application was pending on the filing date of the U.S. national application. Generally, except in cases where the international application has been withdrawn (either generally or as to the United States), an international application becomes abandoned as to the United States upon expiration of 30 months from the priority date (i.e., the priority date claimed in the international application or, if no priority is claimed, the international filing date) unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase is filed prior to the expiration of this 30-month period. See MPEP §§ 1893.01(a)(1) and 1893.02. However, if the international application is one where the 20-month period from the priority date expired before April 1, 2002, then it was necessary to file a demand electing the United States prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date in order to extend the international phase to 30 months from the priority date. If such a demand was not timely filed, then under former 37 CFR 1.494, such an international application became abandoned at the expiration of 20 months from the priority date unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase was made prior to the expiration of 20 months from the priority date. Accordingly, if the international application is not subject to the filing of a demand in order to delay entry into the U.S. national phase to 30 months from the priority date, then a national application filed prior to the expiration of this 30 month period will be copending with the international application unless the international application was withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing of the national application. To determine whether the application was withdrawn, the examiner must either review the Home Copy of the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office), or require applicant to certify that the international application was not withdrawn or considered to be withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing date of the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to such international application. In order to expedite examination, applicant should certify at the time of filing a national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to an international application that the international application has not been withdrawn. If the national application claiming benefit to the international application was filed after the expiration of this 30-month period, then there will be no copendency in the absence of a timely and proper submission to enter the U.S. national phase under 35 U.S.C. 371. The existence of a national stage application may be checked through the Patent Data Portal and the records of the national stage application should be consulted to verify copendency. Additionally, if the 20-month period from the priority date of the international application expired before April 1, 2002 and the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) was filed later than 20 months from the priority date of the international application, the applicant may be required to submit proof of the filing of a demand electing the United States within 19 months from the priority date. This proof may be in the form of a copy of the “Notification of Receipt of Demand by Competent International Preliminary Examining Authority” (Form PCT/IPEA/402) showing the demand was received prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date, and a copy of the “Notification Concerning Elected Offices Notified of Their Election” (Form PCT/IB/332) showing the election of the United States. If the parent international application was not copending (i.e., abandoned or withdrawn), benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 is not possible.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.494Access to National Stage ApplicationsNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1895-01-4f9b2fae6d17c3206c895576]
National Application Must Be Filed Before 30 Months
Note:
A national application claiming benefit to an international application must be filed within 30 months from the priority date or will not be copending unless a demand was timely filed to delay entry into the U.S. national phase.

With regard to (B), a U.S. national application is considered copending with a prior international application designating the U.S. if the international application was pending on the filing date of the U.S. national application. Generally, except in cases where the international application has been withdrawn (either generally or as to the United States), an international application becomes abandoned as to the United States upon expiration of 30 months from the priority date (i.e., the priority date claimed in the international application or, if no priority is claimed, the international filing date) unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase is filed prior to the expiration of this 30-month period. See MPEP §§ 1893.01(a)(1) and 1893.02. However, if the international application is one where the 20-month period from the priority date expired before April 1, 2002, then it was necessary to file a demand electing the United States prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date in order to extend the international phase to 30 months from the priority date. If such a demand was not timely filed, then under former 37 CFR 1.494, such an international application became abandoned at the expiration of 20 months from the priority date unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase was made prior to the expiration of 20 months from the priority date. Accordingly, if the international application is not subject to the filing of a demand in order to delay entry into the U.S. national phase to 30 months from the priority date, then a national application filed prior to the expiration of this 30 month period will be copending with the international application unless the international application was withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing of the national application. To determine whether the application was withdrawn, the examiner must either review the Home Copy of the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office), or require applicant to certify that the international application was not withdrawn or considered to be withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing date of the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to such international application. In order to expedite examination, applicant should certify at the time of filing a national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to an international application that the international application has not been withdrawn. If the national application claiming benefit to the international application was filed after the expiration of this 30-month period, then there will be no copendency in the absence of a timely and proper submission to enter the U.S. national phase under 35 U.S.C. 371. The existence of a national stage application may be checked through the Patent Data Portal and the records of the national stage application should be consulted to verify copendency. Additionally, if the 20-month period from the priority date of the international application expired before April 1, 2002 and the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) was filed later than 20 months from the priority date of the international application, the applicant may be required to submit proof of the filing of a demand electing the United States within 19 months from the priority date. This proof may be in the form of a copy of the “Notification of Receipt of Demand by Competent International Preliminary Examining Authority” (Form PCT/IPEA/402) showing the demand was received prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date, and a copy of the “Notification Concerning Elected Offices Notified of Their Election” (Form PCT/IB/332) showing the election of the United States. If the parent international application was not copending (i.e., abandoned or withdrawn), benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 is not possible.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.494Access to National Stage ApplicationsEffect of International FilingNationals and Residents
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1895-01-73c985159bb5c0d39dac4969]
No Copendency After 30-Month Period
Note:
If a national application claiming benefit to an international application is filed after the 30-month period, there will be no copendency unless a timely and proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 is made.

With regard to (B), a U.S. national application is considered copending with a prior international application designating the U.S. if the international application was pending on the filing date of the U.S. national application. Generally, except in cases where the international application has been withdrawn (either generally or as to the United States), an international application becomes abandoned as to the United States upon expiration of 30 months from the priority date (i.e., the priority date claimed in the international application or, if no priority is claimed, the international filing date) unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase is filed prior to the expiration of this 30-month period. See MPEP §§ 1893.01(a)(1) and 1893.02. However, if the international application is one where the 20-month period from the priority date expired before April 1, 2002, then it was necessary to file a demand electing the United States prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date in order to extend the international phase to 30 months from the priority date. If such a demand was not timely filed, then under former 37 CFR 1.494, such an international application became abandoned at the expiration of 20 months from the priority date unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase was made prior to the expiration of 20 months from the priority date. Accordingly, if the international application is not subject to the filing of a demand in order to delay entry into the U.S. national phase to 30 months from the priority date, then a national application filed prior to the expiration of this 30 month period will be copending with the international application unless the international application was withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing of the national application. To determine whether the application was withdrawn, the examiner must either review the Home Copy of the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office), or require applicant to certify that the international application was not withdrawn or considered to be withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing date of the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to such international application. In order to expedite examination, applicant should certify at the time of filing a national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to an international application that the international application has not been withdrawn. If the national application claiming benefit to the international application was filed after the expiration of this 30-month period, then there will be no copendency in the absence of a timely and proper submission to enter the U.S. national phase under 35 U.S.C. 371. The existence of a national stage application may be checked through the Patent Data Portal and the records of the national stage application should be consulted to verify copendency. Additionally, if the 20-month period from the priority date of the international application expired before April 1, 2002 and the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) was filed later than 20 months from the priority date of the international application, the applicant may be required to submit proof of the filing of a demand electing the United States within 19 months from the priority date. This proof may be in the form of a copy of the “Notification of Receipt of Demand by Competent International Preliminary Examining Authority” (Form PCT/IPEA/402) showing the demand was received prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date, and a copy of the “Notification Concerning Elected Offices Notified of Their Election” (Form PCT/IB/332) showing the election of the United States. If the parent international application was not copending (i.e., abandoned or withdrawn), benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 is not possible.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.494Access to National Stage ApplicationsEffect of International FilingNationals and Residents
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1895-01-913265507987f98fd4d24c6e]
Requirement for Verifying National Stage Applications
Note:
Applicants must verify the copendency of national stage applications through the Patent Data Portal and submit proof of timely demand filing if certain conditions are met.

With regard to (B), a U.S. national application is considered copending with a prior international application designating the U.S. if the international application was pending on the filing date of the U.S. national application. Generally, except in cases where the international application has been withdrawn (either generally or as to the United States), an international application becomes abandoned as to the United States upon expiration of 30 months from the priority date (i.e., the priority date claimed in the international application or, if no priority is claimed, the international filing date) unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase is filed prior to the expiration of this 30-month period. See MPEP §§ 1893.01(a)(1) and 1893.02. However, if the international application is one where the 20-month period from the priority date expired before April 1, 2002, then it was necessary to file a demand electing the United States prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date in order to extend the international phase to 30 months from the priority date. If such a demand was not timely filed, then under former 37 CFR 1.494, such an international application became abandoned at the expiration of 20 months from the priority date unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase was made prior to the expiration of 20 months from the priority date. Accordingly, if the international application is not subject to the filing of a demand in order to delay entry into the U.S. national phase to 30 months from the priority date, then a national application filed prior to the expiration of this 30 month period will be copending with the international application unless the international application was withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing of the national application. To determine whether the application was withdrawn, the examiner must either review the Home Copy of the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office), or require applicant to certify that the international application was not withdrawn or considered to be withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing date of the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to such international application. In order to expedite examination, applicant should certify at the time of filing a national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to an international application that the international application has not been withdrawn. If the national application claiming benefit to the international application was filed after the expiration of this 30-month period, then there will be no copendency in the absence of a timely and proper submission to enter the U.S. national phase under 35 U.S.C. 371. The existence of a national stage application may be checked through the Patent Data Portal and the records of the national stage application should be consulted to verify copendency. Additionally, if the 20-month period from the priority date of the international application expired before April 1, 2002 and the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) was filed later than 20 months from the priority date of the international application, the applicant may be required to submit proof of the filing of a demand electing the United States within 19 months from the priority date. This proof may be in the form of a copy of the “Notification of Receipt of Demand by Competent International Preliminary Examining Authority” (Form PCT/IPEA/402) showing the demand was received prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date, and a copy of the “Notification Concerning Elected Offices Notified of Their Election” (Form PCT/IB/332) showing the election of the United States. If the parent international application was not copending (i.e., abandoned or withdrawn), benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 is not possible.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.494Access to National Stage ApplicationsEffect of International FilingNationals and Residents
Topic

Article 19 Amendment Scope

4 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1895-01-1de8c50766e59ba34ee8e297]
Certified Copy of International Application Required for Benefit Claim
Note:
A certified copy and English translation of the international application are required if it did not originate in the U.S. and is necessary for claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c).

With regard to (A), if the continuing application was filed prior to September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must either be contained in the first sentence(s) of the specification following the title or included in an application data sheet. See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and 37 CFR 1.78(h). If the continuing application was filed on or after September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must be contained in an application data sheet. 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2). The specific reference must identify the parent international application by international application number and international filing date and indicate the relationship of the applications (i.e., continuation, continuation-in-part, or division). See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and MPEP § 211.02. The required reference must be submitted within the time period provided by 37 CFR 1.78(d)(3). This time period is not extendable. A certified copy of the international application (and an English translation of the international application) may be required by the examiner to perfect the claim for benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) if the international application did not originate in the United States and such is necessary, for example, where an intervening reference is found and applied in a rejection of one or more claims. If the international application was published by the International Bureau pursuant to PCT Article 21, then a certified copy would not normally be necessary.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2)Article 19 Amendment ScopePCT Claims FormatNationals and Residents
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1895-01-71ec3824a411e03f4362102d]
Certified Copy Not Needed for Published PCT Applications
Note:
If the international application was published by the International Bureau pursuant to PCT Article 21, a certified copy is not normally required.

With regard to (A), if the continuing application was filed prior to September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must either be contained in the first sentence(s) of the specification following the title or included in an application data sheet. See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and 37 CFR 1.78(h). If the continuing application was filed on or after September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must be contained in an application data sheet. 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2). The specific reference must identify the parent international application by international application number and international filing date and indicate the relationship of the applications (i.e., continuation, continuation-in-part, or division). See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and MPEP § 211.02. The required reference must be submitted within the time period provided by 37 CFR 1.78(d)(3). This time period is not extendable. A certified copy of the international application (and an English translation of the international application) may be required by the examiner to perfect the claim for benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) if the international application did not originate in the United States and such is necessary, for example, where an intervening reference is found and applied in a rejection of one or more claims. If the international application was published by the International Bureau pursuant to PCT Article 21, then a certified copy would not normally be necessary.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2)Article 19 Amendment ScopeAccess to Application FilesOrdering Certified Copies
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1895-01-7227511f12115f35f75f3ad9]
Certified Copy Required for Foreign Priority Claim
Note:
A certified copy of a foreign priority document must be provided unless certain conditions are met.

A claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) – (d) must be made in the continuing application in order to obtain the benefit of the filing date of the prior filed foreign application. This is true regardless of whether such a claim was made in the parent international application. A foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if the continuing application or the parent international application was filed not later than 12 months after the filing date of the foreign application. See 37 CFR 1.55(b). In addition, a foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if the continuing application or the parent international application was filed after expiration of the 12 month period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(b) but within two months from such expiration, if the right of priority is restored under 37 CFR 1.55(c). The required claim must be made within the time period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(d)(1). This time period is not extendable. See MPEP § 214.01. A certified copy of any foreign priority document must be provided by the applicant unless the requirements of 37 CFR 1.55(h) or 37 CFR 1.55(i) have been met or the parent international application has entered the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 and the national stage application contains the priority document from the International Bureau. See MPEP § 1893.03(c). In the latter case, the applicant, in the continuing application, may state that the priority document is contained in the national stage application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.55(b)Article 19 Amendment ScopeNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1895-01-e12c3b7bcd97c000a4cc0e24]
Requirement for Foreign Priority Claim on International Application
Note:
This rule requires that a U.S. national application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) must include a foreign priority claim to a prior international application designating at least one country other than the United States.

For a discussion of U.S. national applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) having foreign priority claims under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) – (d) and 365(a) to a prior international application designating at least one country other than the United States, see MPEP § 213.01.

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

Reference in Application Data Sheet

3 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1895-01-f36dc39996ce94c6e4a1555c]
Specification or Application Data Sheet Must Contain Reference to International Application
Note:
For applications filed prior to September 16, 2012, the reference to the international application must be in the first sentence(s) of the specification following the title or on an application data sheet.

With regard to (A), if the continuing application was filed prior to September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must either be contained in the first sentence(s) of the specification following the title or included in an application data sheet. See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and 37 CFR 1.78(h). If the continuing application was filed on or after September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must be contained in an application data sheet. 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2). The specific reference must identify the parent international application by international application number and international filing date and indicate the relationship of the applications (i.e., continuation, continuation-in-part, or division). See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and MPEP § 211.02. The required reference must be submitted within the time period provided by 37 CFR 1.78(d)(3). This time period is not extendable. A certified copy of the international application (and an English translation of the international application) may be required by the examiner to perfect the claim for benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) if the international application did not originate in the United States and such is necessary, for example, where an intervening reference is found and applied in a rejection of one or more claims. If the international application was published by the International Bureau pursuant to PCT Article 21, then a certified copy would not normally be necessary.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2)Reference in Application Data SheetReference in SpecificationAIA Effective Dates
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1895-01-1d5d4fcc069d003479288cf2]
Specific Reference to International Application Must Be in ADS After Sep 16, 2012
Note:
If the continuing application was filed on or after September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must be contained in an application data sheet.

With regard to (A), if the continuing application was filed prior to September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must either be contained in the first sentence(s) of the specification following the title or included in an application data sheet. See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and 37 CFR 1.78(h). If the continuing application was filed on or after September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must be contained in an application data sheet. 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2). The specific reference must identify the parent international application by international application number and international filing date and indicate the relationship of the applications (i.e., continuation, continuation-in-part, or division). See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and MPEP § 211.02. The required reference must be submitted within the time period provided by 37 CFR 1.78(d)(3). This time period is not extendable. A certified copy of the international application (and an English translation of the international application) may be required by the examiner to perfect the claim for benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) if the international application did not originate in the United States and such is necessary, for example, where an intervening reference is found and applied in a rejection of one or more claims. If the international application was published by the International Bureau pursuant to PCT Article 21, then a certified copy would not normally be necessary.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2)Reference in Application Data SheetAIA Effective DatesBenefit Claim in ADS
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1895-01-3af689c0d47079807ab69ea7]
Time Period Not Extensible for Benefit Reference
Note:
The required reference to the international application under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must be submitted within a specific time period, which is not extendable.

With regard to (A), if the continuing application was filed prior to September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must either be contained in the first sentence(s) of the specification following the title or included in an application data sheet. See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and 37 CFR 1.78(h). If the continuing application was filed on or after September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must be contained in an application data sheet. 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2). The specific reference must identify the parent international application by international application number and international filing date and indicate the relationship of the applications (i.e., continuation, continuation-in-part, or division). See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and MPEP § 211.02. The required reference must be submitted within the time period provided by 37 CFR 1.78(d)(3). This time period is not extendable. A certified copy of the international application (and an English translation of the international application) may be required by the examiner to perfect the claim for benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) if the international application did not originate in the United States and such is necessary, for example, where an intervening reference is found and applied in a rejection of one or more claims. If the international application was published by the International Bureau pursuant to PCT Article 21, then a certified copy would not normally be necessary.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2)Reference in Application Data SheetReference in SpecificationAIA Effective Dates
Topic

Chain of Benefit References

3 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1895-01-4e164d1e32dc20f660a0643f]
Reference to Earlier Application Required via Intermediate International Application
Note:
The intermediate international application must contain a specific reference to the earlier filed national or U.S.-designating international application for claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), 120, and 365(c).

If benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), and/or under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) is being claimed to an earlier filed national application (or international application designating the U.S.) via an intermediate international application designating the U.S., then the intermediate international application must contain a specific reference to the earlier application, as required under 37 CFR 1.78. The specific reference will usually be included on the cover page of the published international application and/or may appear in the first sentence(s) of the description of the published application. A lack of a proper reference in the published international application does not necessarily mean that a proper reference is not contained in the intermediate international application. Accordingly, the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office) may have to be inspected to determine whether the requirements under 37 CFR 1.78 were satisfied after publication of the international application. For example, the intermediate international application file may contain the specific reference in a separate paper filed after publication but during the pendency of the international application, or a decision granting a petition to accept a late benefit claim may be present in the application file. See MPEP § 211.04. The examiner may contact the International Patent Legal Administration for assistance.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.78Chain of Benefit ReferencesBenefit Claim in SpecificationEffect of International Filing
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1895-01-fffc9be60dbfaf1beea35050]
Proper Reference Not Necessarily Absent In Intermediate Application
Note:
A lack of a proper reference in the published international application does not mean it is missing from the intermediate application, which must contain the specific reference as required under 37 CFR 1.78.

If benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), and/or under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) is being claimed to an earlier filed national application (or international application designating the U.S.) via an intermediate international application designating the U.S., then the intermediate international application must contain a specific reference to the earlier application, as required under 37 CFR 1.78. The specific reference will usually be included on the cover page of the published international application and/or may appear in the first sentence(s) of the description of the published application. A lack of a proper reference in the published international application does not necessarily mean that a proper reference is not contained in the intermediate international application. Accordingly, the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office) may have to be inspected to determine whether the requirements under 37 CFR 1.78 were satisfied after publication of the international application. For example, the intermediate international application file may contain the specific reference in a separate paper filed after publication but during the pendency of the international application, or a decision granting a petition to accept a late benefit claim may be present in the application file. See MPEP § 211.04. The examiner may contact the International Patent Legal Administration for assistance.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.78Chain of Benefit ReferencesPCT International Application FilingPatent Cooperation Treaty
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1895-01-bac0b310c1d9b6054832d260]
Specific Reference Required for Benefit Claim
Note:
The intermediate international application must contain a specific reference to the earlier filed national or international application, which can be in separate papers filed after publication but during pendency.

If benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), and/or under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) is being claimed to an earlier filed national application (or international application designating the U.S.) via an intermediate international application designating the U.S., then the intermediate international application must contain a specific reference to the earlier application, as required under 37 CFR 1.78. The specific reference will usually be included on the cover page of the published international application and/or may appear in the first sentence(s) of the description of the published application. A lack of a proper reference in the published international application does not necessarily mean that a proper reference is not contained in the intermediate international application. Accordingly, the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office) may have to be inspected to determine whether the requirements under 37 CFR 1.78 were satisfied after publication of the international application. For example, the intermediate international application file may contain the specific reference in a separate paper filed after publication but during the pendency of the international application, or a decision granting a petition to accept a late benefit claim may be present in the application file. See MPEP § 211.04. The examiner may contact the International Patent Legal Administration for assistance.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.78Chain of Benefit ReferencesCorrecting Benefit ClaimsContinuation Benefit Claims
Topic

Domestic Benefit Claims (35 U.S.C. 120/121)

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1895-01-ed48b3724c860575ac8d5a27]
Continuation Application Must Reference International Application
Note:
If the continuing application was filed before September 16, 2012, the reference to the international application must be in the first sentence(s) of the specification or an application data sheet. For applications filed on or after this date, it must be included in an application data sheet.

With regard to (A), if the continuing application was filed prior to September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must either be contained in the first sentence(s) of the specification following the title or included in an application data sheet. See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and 37 CFR 1.78(h). If the continuing application was filed on or after September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must be contained in an application data sheet. 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2). The specific reference must identify the parent international application by international application number and international filing date and indicate the relationship of the applications (i.e., continuation, continuation-in-part, or division). See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and MPEP § 211.02. The required reference must be submitted within the time period provided by 37 CFR 1.78(d)(3). This time period is not extendable. A certified copy of the international application (and an English translation of the international application) may be required by the examiner to perfect the claim for benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) if the international application did not originate in the United States and such is necessary, for example, where an intervening reference is found and applied in a rejection of one or more claims. If the international application was published by the International Bureau pursuant to PCT Article 21, then a certified copy would not normally be necessary.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2)Domestic Benefit Claims (35 U.S.C. 120/121)Priority and Benefit ClaimsReference in Application Data Sheet
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1895-01-583cfc9a903f3c078f8c360e]
Required Reference Must Be Submitted Within Time Period
Note:
The specific reference to the international application must be included in an application data sheet and submitted within the time period provided by 37 CFR 1.78(d)(3), which is not extendable.

With regard to (A), if the continuing application was filed prior to September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must either be contained in the first sentence(s) of the specification following the title or included in an application data sheet. See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and 37 CFR 1.78(h). If the continuing application was filed on or after September 16, 2012, the specific reference to the international application required under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) must be contained in an application data sheet. 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2). The specific reference must identify the parent international application by international application number and international filing date and indicate the relationship of the applications (i.e., continuation, continuation-in-part, or division). See 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2) and MPEP § 211.02. The required reference must be submitted within the time period provided by 37 CFR 1.78(d)(3). This time period is not extendable. A certified copy of the international application (and an English translation of the international application) may be required by the examiner to perfect the claim for benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) if the international application did not originate in the United States and such is necessary, for example, where an intervening reference is found and applied in a rejection of one or more claims. If the international application was published by the International Bureau pursuant to PCT Article 21, then a certified copy would not normally be necessary.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.78(d)(2)Domestic Benefit Claims (35 U.S.C. 120/121)Priority and Benefit ClaimsReference in Application Data Sheet
Topic

Benefit Claim in Specification

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1895-01-6534bd3cd5f9db9d0e917d61]
Reference to Earlier Application Must Appear
Note:
The intermediate international application must contain a specific reference to the earlier filed national or international application, usually on the cover page or in the description.

If benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), and/or under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) is being claimed to an earlier filed national application (or international application designating the U.S.) via an intermediate international application designating the U.S., then the intermediate international application must contain a specific reference to the earlier application, as required under 37 CFR 1.78. The specific reference will usually be included on the cover page of the published international application and/or may appear in the first sentence(s) of the description of the published application. A lack of a proper reference in the published international application does not necessarily mean that a proper reference is not contained in the intermediate international application. Accordingly, the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office) may have to be inspected to determine whether the requirements under 37 CFR 1.78 were satisfied after publication of the international application. For example, the intermediate international application file may contain the specific reference in a separate paper filed after publication but during the pendency of the international application, or a decision granting a petition to accept a late benefit claim may be present in the application file. See MPEP § 211.04. The examiner may contact the International Patent Legal Administration for assistance.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.78Benefit Claim in SpecificationReference in SpecificationAccess to Published Application File
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1895-01-df886fb8155707fa736cc29e]
Proper Reference Must Be In Published Application
Note:
The international application file must be inspected if the published application lacks a proper reference to an earlier filed national or international application, as required under 37 CFR 1.78.

If benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), and/or under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) is being claimed to an earlier filed national application (or international application designating the U.S.) via an intermediate international application designating the U.S., then the intermediate international application must contain a specific reference to the earlier application, as required under 37 CFR 1.78. The specific reference will usually be included on the cover page of the published international application and/or may appear in the first sentence(s) of the description of the published application. A lack of a proper reference in the published international application does not necessarily mean that a proper reference is not contained in the intermediate international application. Accordingly, the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office) may have to be inspected to determine whether the requirements under 37 CFR 1.78 were satisfied after publication of the international application. For example, the intermediate international application file may contain the specific reference in a separate paper filed after publication but during the pendency of the international application, or a decision granting a petition to accept a late benefit claim may be present in the application file. See MPEP § 211.04. The examiner may contact the International Patent Legal Administration for assistance.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.78Benefit Claim in SpecificationReceiving Office (RO/US)Publication Language
Topic

Patent Cooperation Treaty

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1895-01-023365f3a4ae7a042ea7267c]
Examiner May Seek International Patent Legal Administration Help
Note:
The examiner can contact the International Patent Legal Administration for assistance when determining if a proper reference to an earlier application is included in an intermediate international application.

If benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), and/or under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) is being claimed to an earlier filed national application (or international application designating the U.S.) via an intermediate international application designating the U.S., then the intermediate international application must contain a specific reference to the earlier application, as required under 37 CFR 1.78. The specific reference will usually be included on the cover page of the published international application and/or may appear in the first sentence(s) of the description of the published application. A lack of a proper reference in the published international application does not necessarily mean that a proper reference is not contained in the intermediate international application. Accordingly, the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office) may have to be inspected to determine whether the requirements under 37 CFR 1.78 were satisfied after publication of the international application. For example, the intermediate international application file may contain the specific reference in a separate paper filed after publication but during the pendency of the international application, or a decision granting a petition to accept a late benefit claim may be present in the application file. See MPEP § 211.04. The examiner may contact the International Patent Legal Administration for assistance.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.78Patent Cooperation TreatyChain of Benefit ReferencesCorrecting Benefit Claims
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1895-01-f350b5ad1ceb5b0bdf99b72d]
Time Period for Foreign Priority Claim Not Extensible
Note:
A claim for foreign priority must be made in the continuing application within a specific time frame and cannot be extended.

A claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) – (d) must be made in the continuing application in order to obtain the benefit of the filing date of the prior filed foreign application. This is true regardless of whether such a claim was made in the parent international application. A foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if the continuing application or the parent international application was filed not later than 12 months after the filing date of the foreign application. See 37 CFR 1.55(b). In addition, a foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if the continuing application or the parent international application was filed after expiration of the 12 month period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(b) but within two months from such expiration, if the right of priority is restored under 37 CFR 1.55(c). The required claim must be made within the time period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(d)(1). This time period is not extendable. See MPEP § 214.01. A certified copy of any foreign priority document must be provided by the applicant unless the requirements of 37 CFR 1.55(h) or 37 CFR 1.55(i) have been met or the parent international application has entered the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 and the national stage application contains the priority document from the International Bureau. See MPEP § 1893.03(c). In the latter case, the applicant, in the continuing application, may state that the priority document is contained in the national stage application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.55(b)Patent Cooperation TreatyArticle 19 Amendment ScopeArticle 19 Amendment Timing
Topic

Nationals and Residents

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1895-01-fe1451561f8ae45e7581fcd3]
Demand for U.S. Examination Required Before Priority Deadline
Note:
A demand to elect the United States must be filed within 19 months from the priority date to extend the international phase and maintain copendency with a national application.

With regard to (B), a U.S. national application is considered copending with a prior international application designating the U.S. if the international application was pending on the filing date of the U.S. national application. Generally, except in cases where the international application has been withdrawn (either generally or as to the United States), an international application becomes abandoned as to the United States upon expiration of 30 months from the priority date (i.e., the priority date claimed in the international application or, if no priority is claimed, the international filing date) unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase is filed prior to the expiration of this 30-month period. See MPEP §§ 1893.01(a)(1) and 1893.02. However, if the international application is one where the 20-month period from the priority date expired before April 1, 2002, then it was necessary to file a demand electing the United States prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date in order to extend the international phase to 30 months from the priority date. If such a demand was not timely filed, then under former 37 CFR 1.494, such an international application became abandoned at the expiration of 20 months from the priority date unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase was made prior to the expiration of 20 months from the priority date. Accordingly, if the international application is not subject to the filing of a demand in order to delay entry into the U.S. national phase to 30 months from the priority date, then a national application filed prior to the expiration of this 30 month period will be copending with the international application unless the international application was withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing of the national application. To determine whether the application was withdrawn, the examiner must either review the Home Copy of the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office), or require applicant to certify that the international application was not withdrawn or considered to be withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing date of the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to such international application. In order to expedite examination, applicant should certify at the time of filing a national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to an international application that the international application has not been withdrawn. If the national application claiming benefit to the international application was filed after the expiration of this 30-month period, then there will be no copendency in the absence of a timely and proper submission to enter the U.S. national phase under 35 U.S.C. 371. The existence of a national stage application may be checked through the Patent Data Portal and the records of the national stage application should be consulted to verify copendency. Additionally, if the 20-month period from the priority date of the international application expired before April 1, 2002 and the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) was filed later than 20 months from the priority date of the international application, the applicant may be required to submit proof of the filing of a demand electing the United States within 19 months from the priority date. This proof may be in the form of a copy of the “Notification of Receipt of Demand by Competent International Preliminary Examining Authority” (Form PCT/IPEA/402) showing the demand was received prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date, and a copy of the “Notification Concerning Elected Offices Notified of Their Election” (Form PCT/IB/332) showing the election of the United States. If the parent international application was not copending (i.e., abandoned or withdrawn), benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 is not possible.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.494Nationals and ResidentsArticle 34 AmendmentsDemand for Preliminary Examination
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1895-01-b2749500b7c189e01c2d1e02]
Priority Document May Be Stated in National Stage Application
Note:
The applicant may state that the priority document is contained in the national stage application if a foreign priority claim is made within two months after the expiration of the 12-month period.

A claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) – (d) must be made in the continuing application in order to obtain the benefit of the filing date of the prior filed foreign application. This is true regardless of whether such a claim was made in the parent international application. A foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if the continuing application or the parent international application was filed not later than 12 months after the filing date of the foreign application. See 37 CFR 1.55(b). In addition, a foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if the continuing application or the parent international application was filed after expiration of the 12 month period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(b) but within two months from such expiration, if the right of priority is restored under 37 CFR 1.55(c). The required claim must be made within the time period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(d)(1). This time period is not extendable. See MPEP § 214.01. A certified copy of any foreign priority document must be provided by the applicant unless the requirements of 37 CFR 1.55(h) or 37 CFR 1.55(i) have been met or the parent international application has entered the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 and the national stage application contains the priority document from the International Bureau. See MPEP § 1893.03(c). In the latter case, the applicant, in the continuing application, may state that the priority document is contained in the national stage application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.55(b)Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)Amendments in National Stage
Topic

Benefit Claim in ADS

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1895-01-70c5557e363ef2fa8a43039d]
Continuation May Claim International Filing Date
Note:
A regular national application can claim the filing date of an international PCT application that designates the U.S., allowing for a continuation without entering the national stage.

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 365(c), a regular national application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 37 CFR 1.53(b) (not under 37 CFR 1.53(d)) may claim benefit of the filing date of an international application which designates the United States. Thus, rather than submitting a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371, applicant may file a continuation, divisional, or continuation-in-part of the international (PCT) application under 35 U.S.C. 111(a). Such applications are often referred to as “bypass” applications.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.53(b)Benefit Claim in ADSCIP Filing RequirementsContinuation Benefit Claims
Topic

PCT International Application Filing

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1895-01-0aef968788d625a82dd66a3f]
Continuing Application Must Include Prior Reference and Common Inventors
Note:
The continuing application must reference the prior international application, be copending with it, and share at least one inventor.
To obtain benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) of a prior international application designating the U.S., the continuing application must:
  • (A) include a specific reference to the prior international application
  • (B) be copending with the prior international application, and
  • (C) have at least one inventor in common with the prior international application.
Jump to MPEP SourcePCT International Application FilingDomestic Benefit Claims (35 U.S.C. 120/121)Patent Cooperation Treaty
Topic

Effect of International Filing

1 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1895-01-724ef2cf76f6eff412b04f4d]
Certification Requirement for Copending International Application
Note:
Applicant must certify at filing that the international application has not been withdrawn to expedite examination of a national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c).

With regard to (B), a U.S. national application is considered copending with a prior international application designating the U.S. if the international application was pending on the filing date of the U.S. national application. Generally, except in cases where the international application has been withdrawn (either generally or as to the United States), an international application becomes abandoned as to the United States upon expiration of 30 months from the priority date (i.e., the priority date claimed in the international application or, if no priority is claimed, the international filing date) unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase is filed prior to the expiration of this 30-month period. See MPEP §§ 1893.01(a)(1) and 1893.02. However, if the international application is one where the 20-month period from the priority date expired before April 1, 2002, then it was necessary to file a demand electing the United States prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date in order to extend the international phase to 30 months from the priority date. If such a demand was not timely filed, then under former 37 CFR 1.494, such an international application became abandoned at the expiration of 20 months from the priority date unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase was made prior to the expiration of 20 months from the priority date. Accordingly, if the international application is not subject to the filing of a demand in order to delay entry into the U.S. national phase to 30 months from the priority date, then a national application filed prior to the expiration of this 30 month period will be copending with the international application unless the international application was withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing of the national application. To determine whether the application was withdrawn, the examiner must either review the Home Copy of the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office), or require applicant to certify that the international application was not withdrawn or considered to be withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing date of the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to such international application. In order to expedite examination, applicant should certify at the time of filing a national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to an international application that the international application has not been withdrawn. If the national application claiming benefit to the international application was filed after the expiration of this 30-month period, then there will be no copendency in the absence of a timely and proper submission to enter the U.S. national phase under 35 U.S.C. 371. The existence of a national stage application may be checked through the Patent Data Portal and the records of the national stage application should be consulted to verify copendency. Additionally, if the 20-month period from the priority date of the international application expired before April 1, 2002 and the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) was filed later than 20 months from the priority date of the international application, the applicant may be required to submit proof of the filing of a demand electing the United States within 19 months from the priority date. This proof may be in the form of a copy of the “Notification of Receipt of Demand by Competent International Preliminary Examining Authority” (Form PCT/IPEA/402) showing the demand was received prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date, and a copy of the “Notification Concerning Elected Offices Notified of Their Election” (Form PCT/IB/332) showing the election of the United States. If the parent international application was not copending (i.e., abandoned or withdrawn), benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 is not possible.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.494Effect of International FilingNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
Topic

Access to International Applications (MPEP 110)

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1895-01-0be7269743ca6e3de3cbebc2]
Benefit Under 35 U.S.C. 120 Not Possible If Parent Abandoned
Note:
If the parent international application was abandoned, benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 cannot be claimed for a copending U.S. national application.

With regard to (B), a U.S. national application is considered copending with a prior international application designating the U.S. if the international application was pending on the filing date of the U.S. national application. Generally, except in cases where the international application has been withdrawn (either generally or as to the United States), an international application becomes abandoned as to the United States upon expiration of 30 months from the priority date (i.e., the priority date claimed in the international application or, if no priority is claimed, the international filing date) unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase is filed prior to the expiration of this 30-month period. See MPEP §§ 1893.01(a)(1) and 1893.02. However, if the international application is one where the 20-month period from the priority date expired before April 1, 2002, then it was necessary to file a demand electing the United States prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date in order to extend the international phase to 30 months from the priority date. If such a demand was not timely filed, then under former 37 CFR 1.494, such an international application became abandoned at the expiration of 20 months from the priority date unless a proper submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 to enter the U.S. national phase was made prior to the expiration of 20 months from the priority date. Accordingly, if the international application is not subject to the filing of a demand in order to delay entry into the U.S. national phase to 30 months from the priority date, then a national application filed prior to the expiration of this 30 month period will be copending with the international application unless the international application was withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing of the national application. To determine whether the application was withdrawn, the examiner must either review the Home Copy of the international application file (if the USPTO was the receiving Office), or require applicant to certify that the international application was not withdrawn or considered to be withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, prior to the filing date of the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to such international application. In order to expedite examination, applicant should certify at the time of filing a national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) to an international application that the international application has not been withdrawn. If the national application claiming benefit to the international application was filed after the expiration of this 30-month period, then there will be no copendency in the absence of a timely and proper submission to enter the U.S. national phase under 35 U.S.C. 371. The existence of a national stage application may be checked through the Patent Data Portal and the records of the national stage application should be consulted to verify copendency. Additionally, if the 20-month period from the priority date of the international application expired before April 1, 2002 and the national application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) was filed later than 20 months from the priority date of the international application, the applicant may be required to submit proof of the filing of a demand electing the United States within 19 months from the priority date. This proof may be in the form of a copy of the “Notification of Receipt of Demand by Competent International Preliminary Examining Authority” (Form PCT/IPEA/402) showing the demand was received prior to the expiration of 19 months from the priority date, and a copy of the “Notification Concerning Elected Offices Notified of Their Election” (Form PCT/IB/332) showing the election of the United States. If the parent international application was not copending (i.e., abandoned or withdrawn), benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 is not possible.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.494Access to International Applications (MPEP 110)PCT International Application FilingPatent Cooperation Treaty
Topic

Article 19 Amendment Timing

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1895-01-89879ae4da0d7ab7a0346ec8]
Foreign Priority Claim After Expiration
Note:
A foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if filed within two months after the 12-month period but before expiration, provided the right of priority is restored under 37 CFR 1.55(c).

A claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) – (d) must be made in the continuing application in order to obtain the benefit of the filing date of the prior filed foreign application. This is true regardless of whether such a claim was made in the parent international application. A foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if the continuing application or the parent international application was filed not later than 12 months after the filing date of the foreign application. See 37 CFR 1.55(b). In addition, a foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if the continuing application or the parent international application was filed after expiration of the 12 month period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(b) but within two months from such expiration, if the right of priority is restored under 37 CFR 1.55(c). The required claim must be made within the time period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(d)(1). This time period is not extendable. See MPEP § 214.01. A certified copy of any foreign priority document must be provided by the applicant unless the requirements of 37 CFR 1.55(h) or 37 CFR 1.55(i) have been met or the parent international application has entered the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 and the national stage application contains the priority document from the International Bureau. See MPEP § 1893.03(c). In the latter case, the applicant, in the continuing application, may state that the priority document is contained in the national stage application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.55(b)Article 19 Amendment TimingRight of Priority (Paris Convention)PCT International Application Filing
Topic

Foreign Priority Claims

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1895-01-48338c2237d59061cfbfdd71]
Claim for Foreign Priority Must Be Made Within Time Period
Note:
A claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d) must be made in the continuing application within the time period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(d)(1), which is not extendable.

A claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) – (d) must be made in the continuing application in order to obtain the benefit of the filing date of the prior filed foreign application. This is true regardless of whether such a claim was made in the parent international application. A foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if the continuing application or the parent international application was filed not later than 12 months after the filing date of the foreign application. See 37 CFR 1.55(b). In addition, a foreign priority claim is proper in the continuing application if the continuing application or the parent international application was filed after expiration of the 12 month period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(b) but within two months from such expiration, if the right of priority is restored under 37 CFR 1.55(c). The required claim must be made within the time period set forth in 37 CFR 1.55(d)(1). This time period is not extendable. See MPEP § 214.01. A certified copy of any foreign priority document must be provided by the applicant unless the requirements of 37 CFR 1.55(h) or 37 CFR 1.55(i) have been met or the parent international application has entered the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 and the national stage application contains the priority document from the International Bureau. See MPEP § 1893.03(c). In the latter case, the applicant, in the continuing application, may state that the priority document is contained in the national stage application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.55(b)Foreign Priority ClaimsPriority and Benefit ClaimsPatent Cooperation Treaty

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Benefit Claim in ADS
35 U.S.C. § 111(a)
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Article 19 Amendment Timing
Foreign Priority Claims
International Filing Date
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
35 U.S.C. § 119(a)
Benefit Claim in Specification
Chain of Benefit References
Patent Cooperation Treaty
35 U.S.C. § 119(e)
Access to International Applications (MPEP 110)
Access to National Stage Applications
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Benefit Claim in Specification
Chain of Benefit References
Domestic Benefit Claims (35 U.S.C. 120/121)
Effect of International Filing
International Filing Date
Nationals and Residents
PCT International Application Filing
Patent Cooperation Treaty
Reference in Application Data Sheet
35 U.S.C. § 120
Benefit Claim in ADS35 U.S.C. § 365(c)
Access to International Applications (MPEP 110)
Access to National Stage Applications
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Article 19 Amendment Timing
Benefit Claim in ADS
Effect of International Filing
Foreign Priority Claims
International Filing Date
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
35 U.S.C. § 371
Access to International Applications (MPEP 110)
Access to National Stage Applications
Effect of International Filing
International Filing Date
Nationals and Residents
37 CFR § 1.494
Benefit Claim in ADS37 CFR § 1.53(b)
Benefit Claim in ADS37 CFR § 1.53(d)
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Article 19 Amendment Timing
Foreign Priority Claims
International Filing Date
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
37 CFR § 1.55(b)
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Article 19 Amendment Timing
Foreign Priority Claims
International Filing Date
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
37 CFR § 1.55(c)
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Article 19 Amendment Timing
Foreign Priority Claims
International Filing Date
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
37 CFR § 1.55(d)(1)
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Article 19 Amendment Timing
Foreign Priority Claims
International Filing Date
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
37 CFR § 1.55(h)
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Article 19 Amendment Timing
Foreign Priority Claims
International Filing Date
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
37 CFR § 1.55(i)
Benefit Claim in Specification
Chain of Benefit References
Patent Cooperation Treaty
37 CFR § 1.78
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Domestic Benefit Claims (35 U.S.C. 120/121)
International Filing Date
Reference in Application Data Sheet
37 CFR § 1.78(d)(2)
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Domestic Benefit Claims (35 U.S.C. 120/121)
International Filing Date
Reference in Application Data Sheet
37 CFR § 1.78(d)(3)
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Domestic Benefit Claims (35 U.S.C. 120/121)
International Filing Date
Reference in Application Data Sheet
37 CFR § 1.78(h)
Access to International Applications (MPEP 110)
Access to National Stage Applications
Effect of International Filing
International Filing Date
Nationals and Residents
MPEP § 1893.01(a)(1)
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Article 19 Amendment Timing
Foreign Priority Claims
International Filing Date
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
MPEP § 1893.03(c)
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Domestic Benefit Claims (35 U.S.C. 120/121)
International Filing Date
Reference in Application Data Sheet
MPEP § 211.02
Benefit Claim in Specification
Chain of Benefit References
Patent Cooperation Treaty
MPEP § 211.04
Article 19 Amendment ScopeMPEP § 213.01
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Article 19 Amendment Timing
Foreign Priority Claims
International Filing Date
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
MPEP § 214.01
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Domestic Benefit Claims (35 U.S.C. 120/121)
International Filing Date
Reference in Application Data Sheet
PCT Article 21

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