MPEP § 203.01 — New (Annotated Rules)

§203.01 New

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 203.01, 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.

New

This section addresses New. Primary authority: 37 CFR 1.114) and 37 CFR 1.114. Contains: 3 statements.

Key Rules

Topic

First Action on Merits (FAOM)

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-203-01-488d22e1c709f1f71c81a774]
Nonprovisional Application Before Examiner Action
Note:
A nonprovisional application that has not yet received an examiner's action is considered a new application. Amendments filed before the first Office Action do not change this status.

A “new” application is a nonprovisional application that has not yet received an action by the examiner. An amendment filed prior to the first Office Action does not alter the status of a “new” application. Note that a request for continued examination (RCE)(see 37 CFR 1.114) is not a type of new application filing. See MPEP § 706.07(h).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.114)First Action on Merits (FAOM)Amendments Adding New MatterTypes of Office Actions
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-203-01-6ece83e2a7d577aa6a570cce]
Amendment Before First Office Action Does Not Alter New Application Status
Note:
An amendment filed before the first Office Action does not change the status of a new application that has not yet received an examiner's action.

A “new” application is a nonprovisional application that has not yet received an action by the examiner. An amendment filed prior to the first Office Action does not alter the status of a “new” application. Note that a request for continued examination (RCE)(see 37 CFR 1.114) is not a type of new application filing. See MPEP § 706.07(h).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.114)First Action on Merits (FAOM)Amendments Adding New MatterTypes of Office Actions
Topic

RCE Filing Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-203-01-9eddb4fd6d0e9db499f0f858]
Request for Continued Examination Is Not a New Application Filing
Note:
A request for continued examination does not constitute a new application filing and is subject to different requirements.

A “new” application is a nonprovisional application that has not yet received an action by the examiner. An amendment filed prior to the first Office Action does not alter the status of a “new” application. Note that a request for continued examination (RCE)(see 37 CFR 1.114) is not a type of new application filing. See MPEP § 706.07(h).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.114)RCE Filing RequirementsRCE vs Continuation ApplicationStatutory Authority for Examination

Citations

Primary topicCitation
First Action on Merits (FAOM)
RCE Filing Requirements
37 CFR § 1.114
First Action on Merits (FAOM)
RCE Filing Requirements
MPEP § 706.07(h)

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