MPEP § 1124 — Notice of Foreign Filing (Annotated Rules)

§1124 Notice of Foreign Filing

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1124, 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.

Notice of Foreign Filing

This section addresses Notice of Foreign Filing. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii), 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(i), and 35 U.S.C. 111(a). Contains: 13 requirements, 1 guidance statement, 3 permissions, and 5 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Notice of Foreign Filing After Nonpublication

6 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-af669f07d5f29f3aca355bc1]
Notice of Foreign Filing Required Within 45 Days
Note:
An applicant must notify the USPTO within 45 days after filing a foreign application if they have made a nonpublication request in their U.S. application.

The notice of foreign filing must be filed not later than 45 days after the filing date of the counterpart application. The requirement for notice of foreign filing is set forth in 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) which provides that an applicant who has made a nonpublication request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(i) in a U.S. application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a), but who subsequently files an application in a foreign country or under a multilateral international agreement that requires eighteen-month publication, must notify the USPTO of the foreign filing not later than forty-five days after the date of such foreign filing. Form PTO/SB/36 (revision April 2001 or later) may be used to both rescind a nonpublication request and provide notice of foreign filing. The form is reproduced in MPEP § 1135. 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) further provides that failure of the applicant to provide the required notice within this forty-five (45) day period shall result in abandonment of the application. Accordingly, if at the time the foreign filing is made, the applicant still has an operative nonpublication request (i.e., the applicant has not rescinded the nonpublication request), a notice of foreign filing must be made within 45 days of the foreign filing or the U.S. application with the nonpublication request will become abandoned.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.213Notice of Foreign Filing After NonpublicationForeign Filing LicensesNonpublication Requests
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-493b799449d7800d8362a6e6]
Requirement for Notifying USPTO of Foreign Filing After Nonpublication Request
Note:
An applicant must notify the USPTO within 45 days of filing a foreign application if they have previously requested nonpublication in their U.S. application.

The notice of foreign filing must be filed not later than 45 days after the filing date of the counterpart application. The requirement for notice of foreign filing is set forth in 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) which provides that an applicant who has made a nonpublication request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(i) in a U.S. application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a), but who subsequently files an application in a foreign country or under a multilateral international agreement that requires eighteen-month publication, must notify the USPTO of the foreign filing not later than forty-five days after the date of such foreign filing. Form PTO/SB/36 (revision April 2001 or later) may be used to both rescind a nonpublication request and provide notice of foreign filing. The form is reproduced in MPEP § 1135. 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) further provides that failure of the applicant to provide the required notice within this forty-five (45) day period shall result in abandonment of the application. Accordingly, if at the time the foreign filing is made, the applicant still has an operative nonpublication request (i.e., the applicant has not rescinded the nonpublication request), a notice of foreign filing must be made within 45 days of the foreign filing or the U.S. application with the nonpublication request will become abandoned.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.213Notice of Foreign Filing After NonpublicationAccess to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)Publication of Patent Applications
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1124-aede8567ad8d634b3b2b85c0]
Form PTO/SB/36 Used for Nonpublication Rescission and Foreign Filing Notice
Note:
The form is used to rescind a nonpublication request and notify the USPTO of foreign filings within 45 days.

The notice of foreign filing must be filed not later than 45 days after the filing date of the counterpart application. The requirement for notice of foreign filing is set forth in 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) which provides that an applicant who has made a nonpublication request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(i) in a U.S. application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a), but who subsequently files an application in a foreign country or under a multilateral international agreement that requires eighteen-month publication, must notify the USPTO of the foreign filing not later than forty-five days after the date of such foreign filing. Form PTO/SB/36 (revision April 2001 or later) may be used to both rescind a nonpublication request and provide notice of foreign filing. The form is reproduced in MPEP § 1135. 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) further provides that failure of the applicant to provide the required notice within this forty-five (45) day period shall result in abandonment of the application. Accordingly, if at the time the foreign filing is made, the applicant still has an operative nonpublication request (i.e., the applicant has not rescinded the nonpublication request), a notice of foreign filing must be made within 45 days of the foreign filing or the U.S. application with the nonpublication request will become abandoned.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.213Notice of Foreign Filing After NonpublicationForeign Filing LicensesNonpublication Requests
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-51c64c408a721ce9c5f5cb35]
Notice of Foreign Filing Required After Nonpublication Request
Note:
An applicant must notify the USPTO within 45 days of foreign filing if they still have an operative nonpublication request.

The notice of foreign filing must be filed not later than 45 days after the filing date of the counterpart application. The requirement for notice of foreign filing is set forth in 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) which provides that an applicant who has made a nonpublication request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(i) in a U.S. application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a), but who subsequently files an application in a foreign country or under a multilateral international agreement that requires eighteen-month publication, must notify the USPTO of the foreign filing not later than forty-five days after the date of such foreign filing. Form PTO/SB/36 (revision April 2001 or later) may be used to both rescind a nonpublication request and provide notice of foreign filing. The form is reproduced in MPEP § 1135. 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) further provides that failure of the applicant to provide the required notice within this forty-five (45) day period shall result in abandonment of the application. Accordingly, if at the time the foreign filing is made, the applicant still has an operative nonpublication request (i.e., the applicant has not rescinded the nonpublication request), a notice of foreign filing must be made within 45 days of the foreign filing or the U.S. application with the nonpublication request will become abandoned.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.213Notice of Foreign Filing After NonpublicationForeign Filing LicensesNonpublication Requests
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1124-50442ae0d3af75856bb03d2f]
Rescission of Nonpublication Request or Foreign Filing Notification Required
Note:
The Office must enter a rescission of nonpublication request or notice of foreign filing into the Pre-Examination System to schedule publication and notify the applicant of the projected date.

After either a rescission of a nonpublication request or a notice of foreign filing is received by the Office, the Office will enter the rescission or notice of foreign filing into the Office Pre-Examination System to schedule the application for publication. A notice (e.g., a “Notice Regarding Rescission Of Nonpublication Request and Notice of Foreign Filing”) should be sent to inform the applicant of the projected publication date. The application will be published promptly after the expiration of a period of 18 months from the earliest filing date for which a benefit is sought under title 35, United States Code, or as soon as practicable after mailing this notice. See 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iv).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.213Notice of Foreign Filing After NonpublicationForeign Filing LicensesNonpublication Requests
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1124-ff51d7b45fc7764034a8b301]
Notice of Projected Publication Date Required After Nonpublication Request Rescission or Foreign Filing
Note:
The applicant must be informed of the projected publication date after a nonpublication request is rescinded or a notice of foreign filing is received.

After either a rescission of a nonpublication request or a notice of foreign filing is received by the Office, the Office will enter the rescission or notice of foreign filing into the Office Pre-Examination System to schedule the application for publication. A notice (e.g., a “Notice Regarding Rescission Of Nonpublication Request and Notice of Foreign Filing”) should be sent to inform the applicant of the projected publication date. The application will be published promptly after the expiration of a period of 18 months from the earliest filing date for which a benefit is sought under title 35, United States Code, or as soon as practicable after mailing this notice. See 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iv).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.213Notice of Foreign Filing After NonpublicationRescission of Nonpublication RequestForeign Filing Licenses
Topic

Revival Petition Requirements

6 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-1e0b11c68850b4c73caa82be]
Unintentional Delay Statement Required for Revival Petition
Note:
A grantable revival petition must include a statement that the entire delay in filing was unintentional.

(b) Petition requirements. A grantable petition pursuant to this section must be accompanied by:

(4) A statement that the entire delay in filing the required reply from the due date for the reply until the filing of a grantable petition pursuant to this section was unintentional.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Revival Petition RequirementsRevival – Unavoidable
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-916b87834ff2909a07ad35cb]
Payment of Issue Fee Required for Revival
Note:
The required reply in an application abandoned due to failure to pay the issue fee must include payment of the outstanding balance.

(c) Reply. In an application abandoned under § 1.57(a), the reply must include a copy of the specification and any drawings of the previously filed application. In an application or patent abandoned for failure to pay the issue fee or any portion thereof, the required reply must include payment of the issue fee or any outstanding balance. In an application abandoned for failure to pay the publication fee, the required reply must include payment of the publication fee. In a nonprovisional application abandoned for failure to prosecute, the required reply may be met by the filing of a continuing application. In a nonprovisional utility or plant application filed on or after June 8, 1995, abandoned after the close of prosecution as defined in § 1.114(b), the required reply may also be met by the filing of a request for continued examination in compliance with § 1.114.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.57(a)Revival Petition RequirementsRevival – Unintentional
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-c3ca83832b0ec276a7502b1f]
Payment of Publication Fee Required for Revival
Note:
In an application abandoned due to failure to pay the publication fee, the required reply must include payment of that fee.

(c) Reply. In an application abandoned under § 1.57(a), the reply must include a copy of the specification and any drawings of the previously filed application. In an application or patent abandoned for failure to pay the issue fee or any portion thereof, the required reply must include payment of the issue fee or any outstanding balance. In an application abandoned for failure to pay the publication fee, the required reply must include payment of the publication fee. In a nonprovisional application abandoned for failure to prosecute, the required reply may be met by the filing of a continuing application. In a nonprovisional utility or plant application filed on or after June 8, 1995, abandoned after the close of prosecution as defined in § 1.114(b), the required reply may also be met by the filing of a request for continued examination in compliance with § 1.114.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.57(a)Revival Petition RequirementsRevival – Unintentional
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-0196ce10cfbf88d0468b3701]
Filing of Continuing Application Meets Reply Requirement for Abandoned Nonprovisional
Note:
In a nonprovisional application abandoned due to failure to prosecute, the required reply can be satisfied by filing a continuing application.

(c) Reply. In an application abandoned under § 1.57(a), the reply must include a copy of the specification and any drawings of the previously filed application. In an application or patent abandoned for failure to pay the issue fee or any portion thereof, the required reply must include payment of the issue fee or any outstanding balance. In an application abandoned for failure to pay the publication fee, the required reply must include payment of the publication fee. In a nonprovisional application abandoned for failure to prosecute, the required reply may be met by the filing of a continuing application. In a nonprovisional utility or plant application filed on or after June 8, 1995, abandoned after the close of prosecution as defined in § 1.114(b), the required reply may also be met by the filing of a request for continued examination in compliance with § 1.114.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.57(a)Revival Petition RequirementsRevival – Unintentional
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-330ec27ec46029f8d30a9ef0]
Requirement for Request for Continued Examination After Abandonment
Note:
In a nonprovisional utility or plant application filed on or after June 8, 1995, the required reply to abandonment after close of prosecution may be met by filing a request for continued examination.

(c) Reply. In an application abandoned under § 1.57(a), the reply must include a copy of the specification and any drawings of the previously filed application. In an application or patent abandoned for failure to pay the issue fee or any portion thereof, the required reply must include payment of the issue fee or any outstanding balance. In an application abandoned for failure to pay the publication fee, the required reply must include payment of the publication fee. In a nonprovisional application abandoned for failure to prosecute, the required reply may be met by the filing of a continuing application. In a nonprovisional utility or plant application filed on or after June 8, 1995, abandoned after the close of prosecution as defined in § 1.114(b), the required reply may also be met by the filing of a request for continued examination in compliance with § 1.114.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.57(a)Revival Petition RequirementsRevival – Unintentional
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1124-0f33fbf835dfb40fdd06adbe]
Petition to Revive Abandoned Application Requires Unintentional Delay and Fee Payment
Note:
A petition to revive an abandoned application must demonstrate unintentional delay in filing the notice of foreign filing and pay the specified fee.

35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) provides that failure of the applicant to provide the required notice of foreign filing within 45 days of the subsequent filing of a counterpart application shall result in abandonment of the application. When an application is abandoned by the operation of 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii), applicant’s sole remedy to restore the application to pending status is by filing a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 to revive the abandoned application on the basis of unintentional delay. See 37 CFR 1.137(f). By statute, such a petition to revive requires payment of the petition fee specified in 37 CFR 1.17(m) (35 U.S.C. 41(a)(7)), and that the delay in submitting the notice of foreign filing was unintentional. Form PTO/SB/64a may be used for such a petition to revive. See also MPEP § 711.03(c). In addition, if, after filing a counterpart application, an applicant merely rescinds a nonpublication request but does not file a notice of foreign filing within forty-five days of the subsequent filing of a counterpart application, applicant must file a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 to revive the abandoned U.S. application (37 CFR 1.137(f)).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Revival Petition RequirementsPetition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)
Topic

Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)

6 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1124-3f80b0184cb99bc7e5f41ab4]
Petition to Revive Required for Unintentional Delay in Foreign Filing Notice
Note:
Applicant must file a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 if there is an unintentional delay in submitting the notice of foreign filing within 45 days of filing a counterpart application.

35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) provides that failure of the applicant to provide the required notice of foreign filing within 45 days of the subsequent filing of a counterpart application shall result in abandonment of the application. When an application is abandoned by the operation of 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii), applicant’s sole remedy to restore the application to pending status is by filing a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 to revive the abandoned application on the basis of unintentional delay. See 37 CFR 1.137(f). By statute, such a petition to revive requires payment of the petition fee specified in 37 CFR 1.17(m) (35 U.S.C. 41(a)(7)), and that the delay in submitting the notice of foreign filing was unintentional. Form PTO/SB/64a may be used for such a petition to revive. See also MPEP § 711.03(c). In addition, if, after filing a counterpart application, an applicant merely rescinds a nonpublication request but does not file a notice of foreign filing within forty-five days of the subsequent filing of a counterpart application, applicant must file a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 to revive the abandoned U.S. application (37 CFR 1.137(f)).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)Revival of Abandoned ApplicationRevival of Abandoned Applications
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1124-ccc36295aaf1fac64191b269]
Petition to Revive Abandoned Application Due to Unintentional Delay
Note:
A petition to revive an abandoned application due to unintentional delay in filing a notice of foreign filing must be filed under 37 CFR 1.137 and include the required fee.

35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) provides that failure of the applicant to provide the required notice of foreign filing within 45 days of the subsequent filing of a counterpart application shall result in abandonment of the application. When an application is abandoned by the operation of 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii), applicant’s sole remedy to restore the application to pending status is by filing a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 to revive the abandoned application on the basis of unintentional delay. See 37 CFR 1.137(f). By statute, such a petition to revive requires payment of the petition fee specified in 37 CFR 1.17(m) (35 U.S.C. 41(a)(7)), and that the delay in submitting the notice of foreign filing was unintentional. Form PTO/SB/64a may be used for such a petition to revive. See also MPEP § 711.03(c). In addition, if, after filing a counterpart application, an applicant merely rescinds a nonpublication request but does not file a notice of foreign filing within forty-five days of the subsequent filing of a counterpart application, applicant must file a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 to revive the abandoned U.S. application (37 CFR 1.137(f)).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)Revival of Abandoned ApplicationCommon Petition Types
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-a09de5646fbc74d271d4c343]
Petition Required After Rescinding Nonpublication Without Foreign Filing Notice
Note:
Applicant must file a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 if they rescind a nonpublication request but fail to submit a notice of foreign filing within forty-five days.

35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) provides that failure of the applicant to provide the required notice of foreign filing within 45 days of the subsequent filing of a counterpart application shall result in abandonment of the application. When an application is abandoned by the operation of 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii), applicant’s sole remedy to restore the application to pending status is by filing a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 to revive the abandoned application on the basis of unintentional delay. See 37 CFR 1.137(f). By statute, such a petition to revive requires payment of the petition fee specified in 37 CFR 1.17(m) (35 U.S.C. 41(a)(7)), and that the delay in submitting the notice of foreign filing was unintentional. Form PTO/SB/64a may be used for such a petition to revive. See also MPEP § 711.03(c). In addition, if, after filing a counterpart application, an applicant merely rescinds a nonpublication request but does not file a notice of foreign filing within forty-five days of the subsequent filing of a counterpart application, applicant must file a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 to revive the abandoned U.S. application (37 CFR 1.137(f)).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)Notice of ExpirationRevival of Abandoned Application
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1124-f4612532e9dc52d95c1896d6]
Abandonment for Missing Foreign Filing Notification
Note:
Applicants must promptly file a petition to revive if they failed to provide the required notice of foreign filing, or the Office may not recognize the abandonment and proceed with patent issuance.

Abandonment occurs by operation of the statute, and the Office is unlikely to recognize when applicant has filed a counterpart application in a foreign country or under a multilateral agreement contrary to their certification to the Office. The Office would not be able to change the status of the application from pending to abandoned in the Patent Data Portal system and send applicant a notice of abandonment. As a result, if applicant failed to file a notice of foreign filing when it was required, prosecution of the application will continue and the application may issue as a patent, even though the application has become abandoned by operation of the statute. Applicants who determine that a required notice of foreign filing was not timely provided should promptly file a petition to revive under 37 CFR 1.137. See 37 CFR 1.137(f). The reply requirement of 37 CFR 1.137(c) is met by the notification of the filing in a foreign country or under a multinational treaty, but the filing of a petition to revive will not operate to stay any period for reply that may be running against the application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)Revival of Abandoned ApplicationsPatent Expiration for Nonpayment
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-a3bae41c0894a68bbda8949a]
Petition to Revive Required for Untimely Foreign Filing Notice
Note:
Applicants must promptly file a petition to revive if they failed to timely provide a required notice of foreign filing.

Abandonment occurs by operation of the statute, and the Office is unlikely to recognize when applicant has filed a counterpart application in a foreign country or under a multilateral agreement contrary to their certification to the Office. The Office would not be able to change the status of the application from pending to abandoned in the Patent Data Portal system and send applicant a notice of abandonment. As a result, if applicant failed to file a notice of foreign filing when it was required, prosecution of the application will continue and the application may issue as a patent, even though the application has become abandoned by operation of the statute. Applicants who determine that a required notice of foreign filing was not timely provided should promptly file a petition to revive under 37 CFR 1.137. See 37 CFR 1.137(f). The reply requirement of 37 CFR 1.137(c) is met by the notification of the filing in a foreign country or under a multinational treaty, but the filing of a petition to revive will not operate to stay any period for reply that may be running against the application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)Notice of ExpirationCommon Petition Types
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1124-1826a1477f7a7df3fcbf28ff]
Petition to Revive Does Not Stay Reply Period
Note:
A petition to revive an abandoned application does not pause the reply period required by 37 CFR 1.137(c).

Abandonment occurs by operation of the statute, and the Office is unlikely to recognize when applicant has filed a counterpart application in a foreign country or under a multilateral agreement contrary to their certification to the Office. The Office would not be able to change the status of the application from pending to abandoned in the Patent Data Portal system and send applicant a notice of abandonment. As a result, if applicant failed to file a notice of foreign filing when it was required, prosecution of the application will continue and the application may issue as a patent, even though the application has become abandoned by operation of the statute. Applicants who determine that a required notice of foreign filing was not timely provided should promptly file a petition to revive under 37 CFR 1.137. See 37 CFR 1.137(f). The reply requirement of 37 CFR 1.137(c) is met by the notification of the filing in a foreign country or under a multinational treaty, but the filing of a petition to revive will not operate to stay any period for reply that may be running against the application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)Revival Petition RequirementsRevival – Unintentional
Topic

Certificate of Mailing

3 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-31a483d053d6f65aa06f55d9]
Certificate of Mailing for Foreign Filing Notice Required
Note:
A certificate of mailing is required for a notice of foreign filing under the statute.

Since the notice of foreign filing is required by the statute, the benefit of a certificate of mailing or transmission under 37 CFR 1.8 will be given to a notice of foreign filing. See 37 CFR 1.8(a). Form PTO/SB/36 includes a certificate of mailing. If the end of the 45 day period falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Federal holiday within the District of Columbia, a notice of foreign filing filed on the next succeeding secular or business day is timely. See 35 U.S.C. 21(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.8Certificate of MailingCertificate of Mailing and Transmission
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1124-cde3d4af2bfdf6b6e05675a7]
Certificate of Mailing Required for Notice of Foreign Filing
Note:
Form PTO/SB/36 includes a certificate of mailing which must be provided for timely notice of foreign filing.

Since the notice of foreign filing is required by the statute, the benefit of a certificate of mailing or transmission under 37 CFR 1.8 will be given to a notice of foreign filing. See 37 CFR 1.8(a). Form PTO/SB/36 includes a certificate of mailing. If the end of the 45 day period falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Federal holiday within the District of Columbia, a notice of foreign filing filed on the next succeeding secular or business day is timely. See 35 U.S.C. 21(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.8Certificate of MailingTypes of Forms
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1124-ef90e9da5eff61c96cd5b354]
Timely Notice for Holidays and Weekends
Note:
A notice of foreign filing must be timely filed on the next business day if the 45-day period ends on a weekend or federal holiday in DC.

Since the notice of foreign filing is required by the statute, the benefit of a certificate of mailing or transmission under 37 CFR 1.8 will be given to a notice of foreign filing. See 37 CFR 1.8(a). Form PTO/SB/36 includes a certificate of mailing. If the end of the 45 day period falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Federal holiday within the District of Columbia, a notice of foreign filing filed on the next succeeding secular or business day is timely. See 35 U.S.C. 21(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.8Certificate of MailingTypes of Forms
Topic

Revival Petition Requirements

3 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1124-5009e8f2da00a00b936e97d4]
Petition to Revive Abandoned Application Due to Unintentional Delay
Note:
Allows filing a petition to revive an abandoned application or terminated reexamination if the delay was unintentional.

(a) Revival on the basis of unintentional delay. If the delay in reply by applicant or patent owner was unintentional, a petition may be filed pursuant to this section to revive an abandoned application or a reexamination prosecution terminated under § 1.550(d) or § 1.957(b) or limited under § 1.957(c).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.550(d)Revival Petition RequirementsRevival – UnintentionalUnintentional Delay Standard
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1124-9b0a0996dab71ae83e9ce31b]
Reply Required for Abandoned Applications
Note:
The reply must include specific requirements such as specification, drawings, issue fee payment, publication fee, or filing of a continuing application.

(c) Reply. In an application abandoned under § 1.57(a), the reply must include a copy of the specification and any drawings of the previously filed application. In an application or patent abandoned for failure to pay the issue fee or any portion thereof, the required reply must include payment of the issue fee or any outstanding balance. In an application abandoned for failure to pay the publication fee, the required reply must include payment of the publication fee. In a nonprovisional application abandoned for failure to prosecute, the required reply may be met by the filing of a continuing application. In a nonprovisional utility or plant application filed on or after June 8, 1995, abandoned after the close of prosecution as defined in § 1.114(b), the required reply may also be met by the filing of a request for continued examination in compliance with § 1.114.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.57(a)Revival Petition RequirementsRevival – UnintentionalRevival of Abandoned Application
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-5cf7f516553d06951f593ab3]
Specification and Drawings Required for Abandoned Application Reply
Note:
When an application is abandoned under § 1.57(a), the reply must include a copy of the specification and any drawings from the previously filed application.

(c) Reply. In an application abandoned under § 1.57(a), the reply must include a copy of the specification and any drawings of the previously filed application. In an application or patent abandoned for failure to pay the issue fee or any portion thereof, the required reply must include payment of the issue fee or any outstanding balance. In an application abandoned for failure to pay the publication fee, the required reply must include payment of the publication fee. In a nonprovisional application abandoned for failure to prosecute, the required reply may be met by the filing of a continuing application. In a nonprovisional utility or plant application filed on or after June 8, 1995, abandoned after the close of prosecution as defined in § 1.114(b), the required reply may also be met by the filing of a request for continued examination in compliance with § 1.114.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.57(a)Revival Petition RequirementsRevival – UnintentionalRevival of Abandoned Application
Topic

Notice of Expiration

3 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-5f033674421c3ffa406434e8]
Failure to Provide Foreign Filing Notice Within 45 Days Results in Abandonment
Note:
If an applicant fails to provide the required notice of foreign filing within 45 days after filing a counterpart application, the application will be abandoned unless a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 is filed demonstrating unintentional delay.

35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) provides that failure of the applicant to provide the required notice of foreign filing within 45 days of the subsequent filing of a counterpart application shall result in abandonment of the application. When an application is abandoned by the operation of 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii), applicant’s sole remedy to restore the application to pending status is by filing a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 to revive the abandoned application on the basis of unintentional delay. See 37 CFR 1.137(f). By statute, such a petition to revive requires payment of the petition fee specified in 37 CFR 1.17(m) (35 U.S.C. 41(a)(7)), and that the delay in submitting the notice of foreign filing was unintentional. Form PTO/SB/64a may be used for such a petition to revive. See also MPEP § 711.03(c). In addition, if, after filing a counterpart application, an applicant merely rescinds a nonpublication request but does not file a notice of foreign filing within forty-five days of the subsequent filing of a counterpart application, applicant must file a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 to revive the abandoned U.S. application (37 CFR 1.137(f)).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Notice of ExpirationAccess to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1124-6fca0795e389f38b789cb7b1]
Application Cannot Be Abandoned Without Proper Notification
Note:
The Office cannot change an application status to abandoned and notify the applicant without a required notice of foreign filing.

Abandonment occurs by operation of the statute, and the Office is unlikely to recognize when applicant has filed a counterpart application in a foreign country or under a multilateral agreement contrary to their certification to the Office. The Office would not be able to change the status of the application from pending to abandoned in the Patent Data Portal system and send applicant a notice of abandonment. As a result, if applicant failed to file a notice of foreign filing when it was required, prosecution of the application will continue and the application may issue as a patent, even though the application has become abandoned by operation of the statute. Applicants who determine that a required notice of foreign filing was not timely provided should promptly file a petition to revive under 37 CFR 1.137. See 37 CFR 1.137(f). The reply requirement of 37 CFR 1.137(c) is met by the notification of the filing in a foreign country or under a multinational treaty, but the filing of a petition to revive will not operate to stay any period for reply that may be running against the application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Notice of ExpirationPetition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)Revival of Abandoned Applications
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-3a6008f2c72f39b7a5b5e5ef]
Foreign Filing Notice Requirement
Note:
Applicants must file a notice of foreign filing when required, or risk having their application issue as a patent even if it has become abandoned by statute.

Abandonment occurs by operation of the statute, and the Office is unlikely to recognize when applicant has filed a counterpart application in a foreign country or under a multilateral agreement contrary to their certification to the Office. The Office would not be able to change the status of the application from pending to abandoned in the Patent Data Portal system and send applicant a notice of abandonment. As a result, if applicant failed to file a notice of foreign filing when it was required, prosecution of the application will continue and the application may issue as a patent, even though the application has become abandoned by operation of the statute. Applicants who determine that a required notice of foreign filing was not timely provided should promptly file a petition to revive under 37 CFR 1.137. See 37 CFR 1.137(f). The reply requirement of 37 CFR 1.137(c) is met by the notification of the filing in a foreign country or under a multinational treaty, but the filing of a petition to revive will not operate to stay any period for reply that may be running against the application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Notice of ExpirationAbandonment – Incomplete ApplicationPetition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)
Topic

Revival – Unintentional

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1124-ea836b6c48f7f0ef414fe41c]
Revival Due to Unintentional Delay in Response
Note:
Permits revival of an abandoned application or terminated reexamination if the delay was unintentional.

(a) Revival on the basis of unintentional delay. If the delay in reply by applicant or patent owner was unintentional, a petition may be filed pursuant to this section to revive an abandoned application or a reexamination prosecution terminated under § 1.550(d) or § 1.957(b) or limited under § 1.957(c).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.550(d)Revival – UnintentionalUnintentional Delay StandardRevival of Abandoned Application
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1124-71d3a7575f54b5ebdf087e32]
Director May Require Proof of Unintentional Delay
Note:
The Director may ask for more details to confirm that a delay in filing was unintentional.

(b) Petition requirements. A grantable petition pursuant to this section must be accompanied by:

The Director may require additional information where there is a question whether the delay was unintentional.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Revival – UnintentionalUnintentional Delay StandardRevival of Abandoned Application
Topic

Receiving Office (RO/US)

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-589a12cdf16cd30e002c3377]
Requirement for Timely Notice to Avoid Abandonment
Note:
Applicants must timely file a notice if they filed a nonpublication request and subsequently filed a foreign or international application that requires publication within 18 months.
Applicants must timely file a notice of foreign filing to avoid abandonment of a U.S. application if:
  • (A) applicant filed a nonpublication request in the U.S. application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) (see MPEP § 1122);
  • (B) applicant subsequently filed a foreign or international application directed to the invention disclosed in the U.S. application in a foreign country, or under a multilateral international agreement, that requires publication of applications 18 months after filing (foreign filing or counterpart application); and
  • (C) applicant did not rescind the nonpublication request before filing the foreign or international application (see MPEP § 1123).
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.213Receiving Office (RO/US)PCT International Application FilingPublication Language
Topic

Access to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-2d5f218f2be672ab74f68432]
Requirement for Timely Notice of Foreign Filing
Note:
Applicants must notify the USPTO within 45 days of foreign filing to avoid abandonment if a nonpublication request is in place.

The notice of foreign filing must be filed not later than 45 days after the filing date of the counterpart application. The requirement for notice of foreign filing is set forth in 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) which provides that an applicant who has made a nonpublication request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(i) in a U.S. application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a), but who subsequently files an application in a foreign country or under a multilateral international agreement that requires eighteen-month publication, must notify the USPTO of the foreign filing not later than forty-five days after the date of such foreign filing. Form PTO/SB/36 (revision April 2001 or later) may be used to both rescind a nonpublication request and provide notice of foreign filing. The form is reproduced in MPEP § 1135. 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) further provides that failure of the applicant to provide the required notice within this forty-five (45) day period shall result in abandonment of the application. Accordingly, if at the time the foreign filing is made, the applicant still has an operative nonpublication request (i.e., the applicant has not rescinded the nonpublication request), a notice of foreign filing must be made within 45 days of the foreign filing or the U.S. application with the nonpublication request will become abandoned.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.213Access to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)Publication of Patent ApplicationsNonpublication Requests
Topic

Patent Term Expiration

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1124-8819201eef071665462fed1c]
Application Published After 18 Months
Note:
The application will be published promptly after the 18-month term from the earliest filing date for which a benefit is claimed, or as soon as practicable after mailing notice.

After either a rescission of a nonpublication request or a notice of foreign filing is received by the Office, the Office will enter the rescission or notice of foreign filing into the Office Pre-Examination System to schedule the application for publication. A notice (e.g., a “Notice Regarding Rescission Of Nonpublication Request and Notice of Foreign Filing”) should be sent to inform the applicant of the projected publication date. The application will be published promptly after the expiration of a period of 18 months from the earliest filing date for which a benefit is sought under title 35, United States Code, or as soon as practicable after mailing this notice. See 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iv).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.213Patent Term ExpirationAccess to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)Patent Term
Topic

Revival of Abandoned Application

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1124-8aee3c2c67ebdd420e03818b]
Requirements for Grantable Petition to Revive Abandoned Application
Note:
A grantable petition must include the reply to an Office action, fee, terminal disclaimer if needed, and a statement of unintentional delay.
(b) Petition requirements. A grantable petition pursuant to this section must be accompanied by:
  • (1) The reply required to the outstanding Office action or notice, unless previously filed;
  • (2) The petition fee as set forth in § 1.17(m);
  • (3) Any terminal disclaimer (and fee as set forth in § 1.20(d)) required pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section; and
  • (4) A statement that the entire delay in filing the required reply from the due date for the reply until the filing of a grantable petition pursuant to this section was unintentional. The Director may require additional information where there is a question whether the delay was unintentional.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Revival of Abandoned ApplicationRevival of Abandoned ApplicationsPatent Expiration for Nonpayment
Topic

Access to Abandoned Applications

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1124-1ce3ed083f8b8bb5a5d331e4]
Petition to Revive Abandoned Application Due to Unintentional Delay
Note:
Applicants must file a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 to revive an abandoned application if the delay was unintentional.

35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) provides that failure of the applicant to provide the required notice of foreign filing within 45 days of the subsequent filing of a counterpart application shall result in abandonment of the application. When an application is abandoned by the operation of 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii), applicant’s sole remedy to restore the application to pending status is by filing a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 to revive the abandoned application on the basis of unintentional delay. See 37 CFR 1.137(f). By statute, such a petition to revive requires payment of the petition fee specified in 37 CFR 1.17(m) (35 U.S.C. 41(a)(7)), and that the delay in submitting the notice of foreign filing was unintentional. Form PTO/SB/64a may be used for such a petition to revive. See also MPEP § 711.03(c). In addition, if, after filing a counterpart application, an applicant merely rescinds a nonpublication request but does not file a notice of foreign filing within forty-five days of the subsequent filing of a counterpart application, applicant must file a petition under 37 CFR 1.137 to revive the abandoned U.S. application (37 CFR 1.137(f)).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Access to Abandoned ApplicationsPetition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)Revival – Unintentional

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Access to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)
Notice of Foreign Filing After Nonpublication
Receiving Office (RO/US)
35 U.S.C. § 111(a)
Access to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)
Notice of Foreign Filing After Nonpublication
35 U.S.C. § 122(b)(2)(B)(i)
Access to Abandoned Applications
Access to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)
Notice of Expiration
Notice of Foreign Filing After Nonpublication
Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)
Revival Petition Requirements
35 U.S.C. § 122(b)(2)(B)(iii)
Notice of Foreign Filing After Nonpublication
Patent Term Expiration
35 U.S.C. § 122(b)(2)(B)(iv)
Certificate of Mailing35 U.S.C. § 21(b)
Access to Abandoned Applications
Notice of Expiration
Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)
Revival Petition Requirements
35 U.S.C. § 41(a)(7)
Revival Petition Requirements37 CFR § 1.114
Revival Petition Requirements37 CFR § 1.114(b)
Access to Abandoned Applications
Notice of Expiration
Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)
Revival Petition Requirements
37 CFR § 1.137
Notice of Expiration
Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)
37 CFR § 1.137(c)
Access to Abandoned Applications
Notice of Expiration
Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)
Revival Petition Requirements
37 CFR § 1.137(f)
Access to Abandoned Applications
Notice of Expiration
Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)
Revival Petition Requirements
Revival of Abandoned Application
37 CFR § 1.17(m)
Revival of Abandoned Application37 CFR § 1.20(d)
Revival – Unintentional
Revival Petition Requirements
37 CFR § 1.550(d)
Revival Petition Requirements37 CFR § 1.57(a)
Certificate of Mailing37 CFR § 1.8
Certificate of Mailing37 CFR § 1.8(a)
Revival – Unintentional
Revival Petition Requirements
37 CFR § 1.957(b)
Revival – Unintentional
Revival Petition Requirements
37 CFR § 1.957(c)
Receiving Office (RO/US)MPEP § 1122
Receiving Office (RO/US)MPEP § 1123
Access to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)
Notice of Foreign Filing After Nonpublication
MPEP § 1135
Access to Abandoned Applications
Notice of Expiration
Petition to Revive (37 CFR 1.137)
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