MPEP § 1205.01 — Time for Filing Appeal Brief (Annotated Rules)

§1205.01 Time for Filing Appeal Brief

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1205.01, 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.

Time for Filing Appeal Brief

This section addresses Time for Filing Appeal Brief. Primary authority: 37 CFR 41.37(a), 37 CFR 41.20(b)(2), and 37 CFR 1.8). Contains: 2 requirements, 4 permissions, and 14 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Notice of Appeal Filing

6 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-0829a95406a88d21964c7230]
Filing Appeal Brief Within Two Months
Note:
The appellant must file an appeal brief and the associated fee within two months of receiving a notice of appeal.

37 CFR 41.37(a) provides 2 months from the date of the notice of appeal for the appellant to file an appeal brief and the appeal brief fee set forth in 37 CFR 41.20(b)(2). Any brief in an application or an ex parte reeexamination proceeding filed on or after March 19, 2013 need not be accompanied by an appeal brief fee as the 37 CFR 41.20(b)(2) fee amount on or after that date is set at $0.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.37(a)Notice of Appeal FilingAppeal Brief RequirementsNotice of Appeal
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1205-01-7031bd783ce0d71b235053cd]
Appellant Must File Brief Within Two Months of Notice Receipt
Note:
The appellant is required to file their brief within two months from the date the notice of appeal is received by the Office, or if Priority Mail Express® service is used, from the date of deposit with USPS.

The usual period of time in which appellant must file his or her brief is 2 months from the date of the notice of appeal. The Office date of receipt of the notice of appeal (and not the date indicated on any Certificate of Mailing under 37 CFR 1.8) is the date from which this 2-month time period is measured. See MPEP § 512. If the notice of appeal is filed in accordance with 37 CFR 1.10 using the Priority Mail Express ® service of the United States Postal Service (USPS), the date of deposit with the USPS is the date from which this 2-month time period is measured because the date of deposit shown by the “date accepted” on the Priority Mail Express ® label or other official USPS notation is considered to be the date of receipt. See MPEP § 513.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.8)Notice of Appeal FilingAppeal Brief RequirementsNotice of Appeal
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-9da60b564930a1db8b19e493]
Priority Mail Express Date as Receipt Date
Note:
When using Priority Mail Express to file a notice of appeal, the date shown on the USPS label is considered the receipt date for calculating the two-month period for filing an appeal brief.

The usual period of time in which appellant must file his or her brief is 2 months from the date of the notice of appeal. The Office date of receipt of the notice of appeal (and not the date indicated on any Certificate of Mailing under 37 CFR 1.8) is the date from which this 2-month time period is measured. See MPEP § 512. If the notice of appeal is filed in accordance with 37 CFR 1.10 using the Priority Mail Express ® service of the United States Postal Service (USPS), the date of deposit with the USPS is the date from which this 2-month time period is measured because the date of deposit shown by the “date accepted” on the Priority Mail Express ® label or other official USPS notation is considered to be the date of receipt. See MPEP § 513.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.8)Notice of Appeal FilingExpress Mail Filing DateNotice of Appeal
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-e47d972b1b185c4b33bd3840]
Extension of Time for Appeal Brief Filing
Note:
If a proper petition is filed, the new due date for an appeal brief is calculated from the receipt date of the notice of appeal.

In the event that the appellant finds that they are unable to file a brief within the time period allotted by the rule, they may file a petition for extension of time under 37 CFR 1.136(a) with the appropriate fee. Additional time in excess of 5 months will not be granted unless extraordinary circumstances are involved under 37 CFR 1.136(b). Where a proper petition for extension of time is filed, the new due date is computed from the receipt date of the notice of appeal, as opposed to the original due date. For example, if a notice of appeal’s receipt date is December 30, the appeal brief would be due on the following February 28 (or 29, if it is a leap year), if not a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday. If the period for filing an appeal brief is extended by one month the appeal brief would be due on March 30, if not a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.136(a)Notice of Appeal FilingNotice of AppealProcessing Fees
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-18b85acd312a811bb39e50f6]
Filing Appeal Brief After Notice of Appeal
Note:
The appeal brief must be filed within two months from the receipt date of the notice of appeal, unless extended by filing a petition for an extension under certain conditions.

In the event that the appellant finds that they are unable to file a brief within the time period allotted by the rule, they may file a petition for extension of time under 37 CFR 1.136(a) with the appropriate fee. Additional time in excess of 5 months will not be granted unless extraordinary circumstances are involved under 37 CFR 1.136(b). Where a proper petition for extension of time is filed, the new due date is computed from the receipt date of the notice of appeal, as opposed to the original due date. For example, if a notice of appeal’s receipt date is December 30, the appeal brief would be due on the following February 28 (or 29, if it is a leap year), if not a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday. If the period for filing an appeal brief is extended by one month the appeal brief would be due on March 30, if not a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.136(a)Notice of Appeal FilingAppeal Brief RequirementsNotice of Appeal
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-dcac03e3b2470865f8cca89b]
Filing Appeal Brief After Revival
Note:
When an application is revived after abandonment due to missed actions post-final rejection and accompanied by a notice of appeal, the appellant must file the appeal brief within two months from the Director's decision on the petition.

When an application is revived after abandonment for failure on the part of the appellant to take appropriate action after final rejection, and the petition to revive was accompanied by a notice of appeal, appellant has 2 months, from the mailing date of the Director’s affirmative decision on the petition, in which to file the appeal brief. The time period for filing the appeal brief may be extended under 37 CFR 1.136.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.136Notice of Appeal FilingReinstatement of Dismissed AppealNotice of Appeal
Topic

Appeal Brief Requirements

6 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-53ea5be8e12b6e773949cb99]
No Appeal Brief Fee Required After March 19, 2013
Note:
After March 19, 2013, briefs filed in applications or ex parte reexamination proceedings do not require an appeal brief fee as the fee amount is set at $0.

37 CFR 41.37(a) provides 2 months from the date of the notice of appeal for the appellant to file an appeal brief and the appeal brief fee set forth in 37 CFR 41.20(b)(2). Any brief in an application or an ex parte reeexamination proceeding filed on or after March 19, 2013 need not be accompanied by an appeal brief fee as the 37 CFR 41.20(b)(2) fee amount on or after that date is set at $0.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.37(a)Appeal Brief RequirementsEx Parte Appeals to PTABAppeal Brief Timing
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1205-01-ee8e34c5f617921590067f6b]
Petition for Appeal Brief Extension
Note:
Appellants can request an extension to file their appeal brief beyond the allotted time by submitting a petition under 37 CFR 1.136(a), provided extraordinary circumstances justify additional time over five months.

In the event that the appellant finds that they are unable to file a brief within the time period allotted by the rule, they may file a petition for extension of time under 37 CFR 1.136(a) with the appropriate fee. Additional time in excess of 5 months will not be granted unless extraordinary circumstances are involved under 37 CFR 1.136(b). Where a proper petition for extension of time is filed, the new due date is computed from the receipt date of the notice of appeal, as opposed to the original due date. For example, if a notice of appeal’s receipt date is December 30, the appeal brief would be due on the following February 28 (or 29, if it is a leap year), if not a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday. If the period for filing an appeal brief is extended by one month the appeal brief would be due on March 30, if not a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.136(a)Appeal Brief RequirementsProcessing FeesMaintenance Fee Amounts
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-7e8f11f99db2622a6f1353c8]
Extension of Appeal Brief Due Date
Note:
If an appeal brief's filing period is extended by one month, it must be filed on March 30, unless that date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday.

In the event that the appellant finds that they are unable to file a brief within the time period allotted by the rule, they may file a petition for extension of time under 37 CFR 1.136(a) with the appropriate fee. Additional time in excess of 5 months will not be granted unless extraordinary circumstances are involved under 37 CFR 1.136(b). Where a proper petition for extension of time is filed, the new due date is computed from the receipt date of the notice of appeal, as opposed to the original due date. For example, if a notice of appeal’s receipt date is December 30, the appeal brief would be due on the following February 28 (or 29, if it is a leap year), if not a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday. If the period for filing an appeal brief is extended by one month the appeal brief would be due on March 30, if not a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.136(a)Appeal Brief RequirementsEx Parte Appeals to PTABMaintenance Fee Payment
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1205-01-dde7621619044b076b94e1ed]
Appeal Dismissed for Late Brief
Note:
An appeal will be dismissed if the brief is not filed within the specified period, unless additional time is properly extended.

The appeal ordinarily will be dismissed if the brief is not filed within the period provided by 37 CFR 41.37(a) or within such additional time as may be properly extended. Effective March 19, 2013, the statutory fee for filing an appeal brief was adjusted to $0. As long as the fee under 37 CFR 41.20(b)(2) remains $0, the appeal will not be dismissed for failure to pay the fee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.37(a)Appeal Brief RequirementsEx Parte Appeals to PTABFee Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-070b53bb003b48ba4c1c3768]
Free Appeal Brief Filing Fee
Note:
The fee for filing an appeal brief is waived, set at $0 effective March 19, 2013.

The appeal ordinarily will be dismissed if the brief is not filed within the period provided by 37 CFR 41.37(a) or within such additional time as may be properly extended. Effective March 19, 2013, the statutory fee for filing an appeal brief was adjusted to $0. As long as the fee under 37 CFR 41.20(b)(2) remains $0, the appeal will not be dismissed for failure to pay the fee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.37(a)Appeal Brief RequirementsEx Parte Appeals to PTABFee Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1205-01-731c9702e998df3b71787e30]
Brief Must Be Filed to Preserve Appeal Rights
Note:
A brief must be filed to preserve the appellant's right to appealed claims, even if a petition for supervisory review is filed, an amendment is submitted, or prosecution is suspended by the examiner.
A brief must be filed to preserve appellant’s right to the appealed claims, notwithstanding circumstances such as:
  • (A) the filing of a petition to invoke the supervisory authority of the Director under 37 CFR 1.181;
  • (B) the filing of an amendment, even if it is one which the examiner previously has indicated may place one or more claims in condition for allowance, unless the examiner, in acting on the amendment, disposes of all issues on appeal;
  • (C) the receipt of a letter from the examiner stating that prosecution is suspended, without the examiner withdrawing the final rejection from which appeal has been taken.
Jump to MPEP SourceAppeal Brief RequirementsEx Parte Appeals to PTABDirector Authority and Petitions (MPEP 1000)
Topic

Grounds for Dismissal of Appeal

5 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-a087393a9161b39f032fcce0]
Allowed Claims Not Abandoned on Dismissal
Note:
If an appeal brief is not filed within the allowed time, the appeal will be dismissed. However, if any claims are still allowed, the application does not become abandoned and returns to the examiner for further action.

Although failure to file the brief within the permissible time will result in dismissal of the appeal, if any claims stand allowed the application does not become abandoned by the dismissal, but is returned to the examiner for action on the allowed claims. See MPEP § 1215.04. If there are no allowed claims, the application is abandoned as of the date the brief was due. Claims which have been objected to as dependent from a rejected claim do not stand allowed. In an ex parte reexamination proceeding, failure to file the brief will result in the issuance of the certificate under 37 CFR 1.570.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.570Grounds for Dismissal of AppealAppeal Withdrawal and DismissalAppeals in Reexamination
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-c4f0c1ebf55c0c1c88a93c62]
Application Abandoned for Missing Brief with No Allowed Claims
Note:
If no claims are allowed and the appeal brief is not filed by the due date, the application is abandoned as of that date.

Although failure to file the brief within the permissible time will result in dismissal of the appeal, if any claims stand allowed the application does not become abandoned by the dismissal, but is returned to the examiner for action on the allowed claims. See MPEP § 1215.04. If there are no allowed claims, the application is abandoned as of the date the brief was due. Claims which have been objected to as dependent from a rejected claim do not stand allowed. In an ex parte reexamination proceeding, failure to file the brief will result in the issuance of the certificate under 37 CFR 1.570.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.570Grounds for Dismissal of AppealReexamination CertificateAppeal Withdrawal and Dismissal
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-d49426818e3211f511fe79c2]
Rejected Claim Dependency Prohibits Allowance
Note:
Claims that depend on a rejected claim cannot be allowed, even if other claims are allowed.

Although failure to file the brief within the permissible time will result in dismissal of the appeal, if any claims stand allowed the application does not become abandoned by the dismissal, but is returned to the examiner for action on the allowed claims. See MPEP § 1215.04. If there are no allowed claims, the application is abandoned as of the date the brief was due. Claims which have been objected to as dependent from a rejected claim do not stand allowed. In an ex parte reexamination proceeding, failure to file the brief will result in the issuance of the certificate under 37 CFR 1.570.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.570Grounds for Dismissal of AppealReexamination CertificateAppeal Withdrawal and Dismissal
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-c91be33868834502c27595d8]
Brief Requirement for Ex Parte Reexamination
Note:
In an ex parte reexamination, failing to file the appeal brief results in issuance of a certificate under 37 CFR 1.570.

Although failure to file the brief within the permissible time will result in dismissal of the appeal, if any claims stand allowed the application does not become abandoned by the dismissal, but is returned to the examiner for action on the allowed claims. See MPEP § 1215.04. If there are no allowed claims, the application is abandoned as of the date the brief was due. Claims which have been objected to as dependent from a rejected claim do not stand allowed. In an ex parte reexamination proceeding, failure to file the brief will result in the issuance of the certificate under 37 CFR 1.570.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.570Grounds for Dismissal of AppealReexamination CertificateConclusion of Ex Parte Reexamination
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1205-01-04d5d6f2bc31bbb035cf4085]
Petition to Correct Erroneous Appeal Dismissal
Note:
A petition can be filed if the dismissal of an appeal is believed to be in error, pointing out the specific mistake.

Where the dismissal of the appeal is believed to be in error, filing a petition, pointing out the error, may be sufficient.

Jump to MPEP SourceGrounds for Dismissal of AppealAppeal Withdrawal and DismissalEx Parte Appeals to PTAB
Topic

Ex Parte Appeals to PTAB

3 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1205-01-8a0b5b0eeca38690265567f2]
Extension Permitted for Appeal Brief Filing
Note:
The time to file an appeal brief may be extended under certain conditions after revival of an abandoned application with a notice of appeal.

When an application is revived after abandonment for failure on the part of the appellant to take appropriate action after final rejection, and the petition to revive was accompanied by a notice of appeal, appellant has 2 months, from the mailing date of the Director’s affirmative decision on the petition, in which to file the appeal brief. The time period for filing the appeal brief may be extended under 37 CFR 1.136.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.136Ex Parte Appeals to PTABNotice of Appeal FilingReinstatement of Dismissed Appeal
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-86a92b7ba35bb71e48136a63]
No Appeal Dismissal for Zero Fee
Note:
An appeal will not be dismissed if the filing fee under 37 CFR 41.20(b)(2) remains $0.

The appeal ordinarily will be dismissed if the brief is not filed within the period provided by 37 CFR 41.37(a) or within such additional time as may be properly extended. Effective March 19, 2013, the statutory fee for filing an appeal brief was adjusted to $0. As long as the fee under 37 CFR 41.20(b)(2) remains $0, the appeal will not be dismissed for failure to pay the fee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.37(a)Ex Parte Appeals to PTABFee RequirementsAppeal Brief Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-8c29ad0949176da685121e6a]
Brief Required to Preserve Appeal Rights During Suspension
Note:
A brief must be filed to maintain the appellant's right to appealed claims even if prosecution is suspended without withdrawing a final rejection.

A brief must be filed to preserve appellant’s right to the appealed claims, notwithstanding circumstances such as:

(C) the receipt of a letter from the examiner stating that prosecution is suspended, without the examiner withdrawing the final rejection from which appeal has been taken.

Jump to MPEP SourceEx Parte Appeals to PTABAppeal Brief Requirements
Topic

Final Office Action

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1205-01-976e9aeb4c3dd7e9c814ddc1]
Appeal Brief Must Be Filed Within Two Months of Notice of Appeal
Note:
An appellant must file an appeal brief within two months from the notice of appeal, regardless of any shortened statutory period for reply to a final Office action.

37 CFR 41.37(a) does not permit the brief to be filed within the time allowed for reply to the action from which the appeal was taken even if such time is later. Once appellant timely files a notice of appeal in compliance with 37 CFR 41.31, the time period for reply set forth in the last Office action is tolled and is no longer relevant for the time period for filing an appeal brief. For example, if appellant filed a notice of appeal within one month from the mailing of a final Office action which sets forth a 3-month shortened statutory period for reply, and then the appellant filed an appeal brief after 2 months from the filing date of the notice of appeal, a petition for an extension of time for one month would be required, even if the brief was filed but within three (3) months from the mailing of the final action. Similarly, if the appellant files a request for continued examination (RCE) under 37 CFR 1.114, instead of an appeal brief, after two (2) months from the filing date of the notice of appeal a petition for an extension of time would be required, even if the RCE was filed within three (3) months from the mailing of the final action.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.37(a)Final Office ActionReply Period and ExtensionsNotice of Appeal Filing
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1205-01-a44ddcc611ff9785f30a797e]
Petition Required for Late RCE After Appeal Notice
Note:
A petition for an extension of time is required if a request for continued examination (RCE) is filed more than two months after the notice of appeal, even if it falls within three months from the final action mailing date.

37 CFR 41.37(a) does not permit the brief to be filed within the time allowed for reply to the action from which the appeal was taken even if such time is later. Once appellant timely files a notice of appeal in compliance with 37 CFR 41.31, the time period for reply set forth in the last Office action is tolled and is no longer relevant for the time period for filing an appeal brief. For example, if appellant filed a notice of appeal within one month from the mailing of a final Office action which sets forth a 3-month shortened statutory period for reply, and then the appellant filed an appeal brief after 2 months from the filing date of the notice of appeal, a petition for an extension of time for one month would be required, even if the brief was filed but within three (3) months from the mailing of the final action. Similarly, if the appellant files a request for continued examination (RCE) under 37 CFR 1.114, instead of an appeal brief, after two (2) months from the filing date of the notice of appeal a petition for an extension of time would be required, even if the RCE was filed within three (3) months from the mailing of the final action.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.37(a)Final Office ActionReply Period and ExtensionsNotice of Appeal Filing
Topic

Appeal Brief Timing

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1205-01-27a6f405d9dc99b8e1a1d7b4]
Time Extension for Appeal Briefs
Note:
The time period for filing an appeal brief can be extended under 37 CFR 1.136(a) or, if not available, under 37 CFR 1.136(b) for extraordinary circumstances.

This 2-month time period for a patent application may be extended under 37 CFR 1.136(a), and if 37 CFR 1.136(a) is not available, under 37 CFR 1.136(b) for extraordinary circumstances. In an ex parte reexamination proceeding, the time period can be extended only under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.550(c). See also MPEP § 2274.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.136(a)Appeal Brief TimingAppeal Brief RequirementsAppeals in Reexamination
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-8d4346d51393815d9b0d6a57]
Extension Beyond Five Months Requires Extraordinary Circumstances
Note:
An extension of more than five months for filing an appeal brief will not be granted unless there are extraordinary circumstances.

In the event that the appellant finds that they are unable to file a brief within the time period allotted by the rule, they may file a petition for extension of time under 37 CFR 1.136(a) with the appropriate fee. Additional time in excess of 5 months will not be granted unless extraordinary circumstances are involved under 37 CFR 1.136(b). Where a proper petition for extension of time is filed, the new due date is computed from the receipt date of the notice of appeal, as opposed to the original due date. For example, if a notice of appeal’s receipt date is December 30, the appeal brief would be due on the following February 28 (or 29, if it is a leap year), if not a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday. If the period for filing an appeal brief is extended by one month the appeal brief would be due on March 30, if not a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.136(a)Appeal Brief TimingNotice of Appeal FilingAppeal Brief Requirements
Topic

Examiner Sustained – Amendment Options

2 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1205-01-5a7f0dc6d5ceffe63b95cbf6]
Requirement for Reopening Prosecution After Exhaustion of CFR 1.136(a)
Note:
This rule specifies that the form paragraph should be used when 37 CFR 1.136(a) is unavailable or has been exhausted, particularly in cases involving litigation reissues or requests to reopen prosecution and file reply briefs.

3. This form paragraph should only be used when 37 CFR 1.136(a) is not available or has been exhausted, such as in litigation reissues or when appellant requests to reopen prosecution or file a reply brief as set forth in 37 CFR 41.39(b) and 37 CFR 41.50(a)(2).

37 CFR 1.77 · 37 CFR 1.136(a)Examiner Sustained – Amendment OptionsReopening Prosecution After AppealReply Brief Filing
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1205-01-8167df1278c7cb297aee9d80]
Reopening Prosecution After Exhaustion of Time Extensions
Note:
This rule specifies that the form paragraph should be used when reopening prosecution is requested after all time extensions under 37 CFR 1.136(a) have been exhausted, such as in litigation reissues or filing a reply brief.

2. This form paragraph should only be used when 37 CFR 1.136(a) is not available or has been exhausted, such as in litigation reissues or when appellant requests to reopen prosecution or file a reply brief as set forth in 37 CFR 41.39(b) and 37 CFR 41.50(a)(2).

37 CFR 1.77 · 37 CFR 1.136(a)Examiner Sustained – Amendment OptionsReopening Prosecution After AppealReply Brief Filing
Topic

Petition to Reinstate

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-37c52a4f8d50aa770dc541e3]
Petition to Reinstate Appeal Requires Brief and Fee
Note:
When an appeal is dismissed but the application remains active due to at least one allowed claim, a petition to reinstate must include both an appeal brief and its associated fee.

If the time for filing a brief has passed and the application has consequently become abandoned, the applicant may petition to revive the application under 37 CFR 1.137, as in other cases of abandonment. See MPEP § 711.03(c). If the appeal is dismissed, but the application is not abandoned because there is at least one allowed claim, the applicant may file a petition to reinstate the claims and the appeal, but a showing equivalent to that in a petition to revive under 37 CFR 1.137 is required. See MPEP § 711.03(c). In addition to the petition and petition fee, appellant must file:

(B) An appeal brief and the appeal brief fee to reinstate the appeal.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Petition to ReinstateAbandonment & AppealsAppeal Brief Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1205-01-1258895b319c96247de70906]
Petition Requires Appeal Brief Before Consideration
Note:
A petition to reinstate an appeal must be accompanied by a proper appeal brief before it will be considered on its merits.

If the time for filing a brief has passed and the application has consequently become abandoned, the applicant may petition to revive the application under 37 CFR 1.137, as in other cases of abandonment. See MPEP § 711.03(c). If the appeal is dismissed, but the application is not abandoned because there is at least one allowed claim, the applicant may file a petition to reinstate the claims and the appeal, but a showing equivalent to that in a petition to revive under 37 CFR 1.137 is required. See MPEP § 711.03(c). In addition to the petition and petition fee, appellant must file:

A proper brief must be filed before the petition will be considered on its merits.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Petition to ReinstateAppeal Brief RequirementsRevival Petition Requirements
Topic

Abandonment & Appeals

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-07aae255b838e3eed272b6a4]
Free Appeal Brief Filing Fee
Note:
The statutory fee for filing an appeal brief in application or ex parte reexamination proceedings is now $0, effective March 19, 2013.

If the time for filing a brief has passed and the application has consequently become abandoned, the applicant may petition to revive the application under 37 CFR 1.137, as in other cases of abandonment. See MPEP § 711.03(c). If the appeal is dismissed, but the application is not abandoned because there is at least one allowed claim, the applicant may file a petition to reinstate the claims and the appeal, but a showing equivalent to that in a petition to revive under 37 CFR 1.137 is required. See MPEP § 711.03(c). In addition to the petition and petition fee, appellant must file:

Effective March 19, 2013, the statutory fee for filing an appeal brief in an application or ex parte reexamination proceeding was adjusted to $0.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Abandonment & AppealsAppeal Brief RequirementsAppeals in Reexamination
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-89d50b62f0d117c7bd673df7]
No Dismissal for Unpaid Appeal Brief Fee When Free
Note:
An appeal will not be dismissed due to non-payment of the appeal brief fee if that fee is $0 under 37 CFR 41.20(b)(2).

If the time for filing a brief has passed and the application has consequently become abandoned, the applicant may petition to revive the application under 37 CFR 1.137, as in other cases of abandonment. See MPEP § 711.03(c). If the appeal is dismissed, but the application is not abandoned because there is at least one allowed claim, the applicant may file a petition to reinstate the claims and the appeal, but a showing equivalent to that in a petition to revive under 37 CFR 1.137 is required. See MPEP § 711.03(c). In addition to the petition and petition fee, appellant must file:

For so long as the fee under 37 CFR 41.20(b)(2) remains $0, the appeal will not be dismissed for failure to pay the fee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Abandonment & AppealsAppeals in ReexaminationEx Parte Appeals to PTAB
Topic

Certificate of Mailing

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-d404477c0aad80ddbf7946fe]
Receipt Date for Notice of Appeal
Note:
The date the Office receives the notice of appeal, not the mailing date, starts the two-month period for filing an appeal brief.

The usual period of time in which appellant must file his or her brief is 2 months from the date of the notice of appeal. The Office date of receipt of the notice of appeal (and not the date indicated on any Certificate of Mailing under 37 CFR 1.8) is the date from which this 2-month time period is measured. See MPEP § 512. If the notice of appeal is filed in accordance with 37 CFR 1.10 using the Priority Mail Express ® service of the United States Postal Service (USPS), the date of deposit with the USPS is the date from which this 2-month time period is measured because the date of deposit shown by the “date accepted” on the Priority Mail Express ® label or other official USPS notation is considered to be the date of receipt. See MPEP § 513.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.8)Certificate of MailingNotice of Appeal FilingNotice of Appeal
Topic

Allowance After Appeal or RCE

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-c82bf27e875b384ab53653d5]
Appeal Brief Must Not Be Filed Within Reply Time
Note:
The appeal brief cannot be filed within the time allowed for replying to the action from which the appeal was taken, even if this period extends beyond the original deadline.

37 CFR 41.37(a) does not permit the brief to be filed within the time allowed for reply to the action from which the appeal was taken even if such time is later. Once appellant timely files a notice of appeal in compliance with 37 CFR 41.31, the time period for reply set forth in the last Office action is tolled and is no longer relevant for the time period for filing an appeal brief. For example, if appellant filed a notice of appeal within one month from the mailing of a final Office action which sets forth a 3-month shortened statutory period for reply, and then the appellant filed an appeal brief after 2 months from the filing date of the notice of appeal, a petition for an extension of time for one month would be required, even if the brief was filed but within three (3) months from the mailing of the final action. Similarly, if the appellant files a request for continued examination (RCE) under 37 CFR 1.114, instead of an appeal brief, after two (2) months from the filing date of the notice of appeal a petition for an extension of time would be required, even if the RCE was filed within three (3) months from the mailing of the final action.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.37(a)Allowance After Appeal or RCEResponse to Office Action Requirements (37 CFR 1.111)Submission with RCE
Topic

Reply Period and Extensions

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1205-01-f3593cd820dcd6ad3120e794]
Tolling of Reply Period for Appeal Brief Filing
Note:
Once an appeal is timely filed, the original reply period set in the last Office action no longer applies to filing the appeal brief.

37 CFR 41.37(a) does not permit the brief to be filed within the time allowed for reply to the action from which the appeal was taken even if such time is later. Once appellant timely files a notice of appeal in compliance with 37 CFR 41.31, the time period for reply set forth in the last Office action is tolled and is no longer relevant for the time period for filing an appeal brief. For example, if appellant filed a notice of appeal within one month from the mailing of a final Office action which sets forth a 3-month shortened statutory period for reply, and then the appellant filed an appeal brief after 2 months from the filing date of the notice of appeal, a petition for an extension of time for one month would be required, even if the brief was filed but within three (3) months from the mailing of the final action. Similarly, if the appellant files a request for continued examination (RCE) under 37 CFR 1.114, instead of an appeal brief, after two (2) months from the filing date of the notice of appeal a petition for an extension of time would be required, even if the RCE was filed within three (3) months from the mailing of the final action.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.37(a)Reply Period and ExtensionsNotice of Appeal FilingAllowance After Appeal or RCE
Topic

Ex Parte Reexamination

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1205-01-5fd5c7fb6e2ad8295f1281a7]
Time Extension for Ex Parte Reexamination
Note:
In an ex parte reexamination, the time period can be extended only under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.550(c).

This 2-month time period for a patent application may be extended under 37 CFR 1.136(a), and if 37 CFR 1.136(a) is not available, under 37 CFR 1.136(b) for extraordinary circumstances. In an ex parte reexamination proceeding, the time period can be extended only under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.550(c). See also MPEP § 2274.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.136(a)Ex Parte ReexaminationAppeal Brief TimingAppeal Brief Requirements
Topic

Revival Petition Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1205-01-bf5603e2f84a4a3fad9a7b97]
Petition to Revive Abandoned Application
Note:
An applicant can petition to revive an abandoned application if the brief filing time has passed, similar to other abandonment cases. If the appeal is dismissed but not abandoned due to allowed claims, a petition with equivalent showing and additional filings are required.
If the time for filing a brief has passed and the application has consequently become abandoned, the applicant may petition to revive the application under 37 CFR 1.137, as in other cases of abandonment. See MPEP § 711.03(c). If the appeal is dismissed, but the application is not abandoned because there is at least one allowed claim, the applicant may file a petition to reinstate the claims and the appeal, but a showing equivalent to that in a petition to revive under 37 CFR 1.137 is required. See MPEP § 711.03(c). In addition to the petition and petition fee, appellant must file:
  • (A) A request for continued examination (RCE) under 37 CFR 1.114 accompanied by a submission (i.e., a reply under 37 CFR 1.111) and the fee as set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) if the application is a utility or plant application filed on or after June 8, 1995, or a continuing application under 37 CFR 1.53(b) (or a CPA under 37 CFR 1.53(d) if the application is a design application); or
  • (B) An appeal brief and the appeal brief fee to reinstate the appeal. Effective March 19, 2013, the statutory fee for filing an appeal brief in an application or ex parte reexamination proceeding was adjusted to $0. For so long as the fee under 37 CFR 41.20(b)(2) remains $0, the appeal will not be dismissed for failure to pay the fee. A proper brief must be filed before the petition will be considered on its merits.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Revival Petition RequirementsAppeal Brief TimingDesign Claim Form

Examiner Form Paragraphs

Examiner form paragraphs are standard language that you might see in an Office Action or communication from the USPTO. Examiners have latitude to change the form paragraphs, but you will often see this exact language.

¶ 12.210 ¶ 12.210 Extension To File Brief – Granted
¶ 12.111 ¶ 12.211 Extension To File Brief – Denied
¶ 12.209 ¶ 12.209 Appeal Dismissed – Allowed Claims, Formal Matters Remaining

In view of applicant’s failure to file a brief within the time prescribed by 37 CFR 41.37(a) , the appeal stands dismissed and the proceedings as to the rejected claims are considered terminated. See 37 CFR 1.197(b) .

This application will be passed to issue on allowed claim [1] provided the following formal matters are corrected. Prosecution is otherwise closed.

[2]

Applicant is required to make the necessary corrections within a shortened statutory period set to expire TWO (2) MONTHS from the mailing date of this letter to avoid ABANDONMENT of the application. Extensions of time may be granted under 37 CFR 1.136 but in no case can any extension carry the date for reply to this letter beyond the maximum period of SIX MONTHS set by statute ( 35 U.S.C. 133 ).

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Certificate of Mailing
Notice of Appeal Filing
37 CFR § 1.10
Revival Petition Requirements37 CFR § 1.111
Allowance After Appeal or RCE
Final Office Action
Reply Period and Extensions
Revival Petition Requirements
37 CFR § 1.114
Ex Parte Appeals to PTAB
Notice of Appeal Filing
37 CFR § 1.136
Appeal Brief Requirements
Appeal Brief Timing
Ex Parte Reexamination
Examiner Sustained – Amendment Options
Notice of Appeal Filing
37 CFR § 1.136(a)
Appeal Brief Requirements
Appeal Brief Timing
Ex Parte Reexamination
Notice of Appeal Filing
37 CFR § 1.136(b)
Abandonment & Appeals
Petition to Reinstate
Revival Petition Requirements
37 CFR § 1.137
Revival Petition Requirements37 CFR § 1.17(e)
Appeal Brief Requirements37 CFR § 1.181
Revival Petition Requirements37 CFR § 1.53(b)
Revival Petition Requirements37 CFR § 1.53(d)
Appeal Brief Timing
Ex Parte Reexamination
37 CFR § 1.550(c)
Grounds for Dismissal of Appeal37 CFR § 1.570
Certificate of Mailing
Notice of Appeal Filing
37 CFR § 1.8
Abandonment & Appeals
Appeal Brief Requirements
Ex Parte Appeals to PTAB
Notice of Appeal Filing
Petition to Reinstate
Revival Petition Requirements
37 CFR § 41.20(b)(2)
Allowance After Appeal or RCE
Final Office Action
Reply Period and Extensions
37 CFR § 41.31
Allowance After Appeal or RCE
Appeal Brief Requirements
Ex Parte Appeals to PTAB
Final Office Action
Notice of Appeal Filing
Reply Period and Extensions
37 CFR § 41.37(a)
Examiner Sustained – Amendment Options37 CFR § 41.39(b)
Examiner Sustained – Amendment Options37 CFR § 41.50(a)(2)
Grounds for Dismissal of AppealMPEP § 1215.04
Appeal Brief Timing
Ex Parte Reexamination
MPEP § 2274
Certificate of Mailing
Notice of Appeal Filing
MPEP § 512
Certificate of Mailing
Notice of Appeal Filing
MPEP § 513
Abandonment & Appeals
Petition to Reinstate
Revival Petition Requirements
MPEP § 711.03(c)

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