How can I satisfy the requirement for a certified copy of a foreign application in a continuing application?

In a continuing application, you can satisfy the requirement for a certified copy of a foreign application without actually filing the certified copy again. According to 37 CFR 1.55(h):

The requirement for a certified copy of the foreign application will be considered satisfied in an application if a prior-filed nonprovisional application for which a benefit is claimed under 35 U.S.C. 120, 121, 365(c), or 386(c) contains a certified copy of the foreign application and the prior-filed nonprovisional application is identified as containing a certified copy of the foreign application.

This means that if you have already filed a certified copy in a parent application, you can simply identify that application as containing the certified copy when filing your continuing application. This approach can save time and reduce the paperwork required for perfecting priority claims in continuing applications.

To learn more:

• certified copy
• foreign application
• continuing application
• 37 CFR 1.55

To learn more:

• 37 CFR 1.55