MPEP § 214 — Formal Requirements of Claim for Foreign Priority (Annotated Rules)

§214 Formal Requirements of Claim for Foreign Priority

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 214, 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.

Formal Requirements of Claim for Foreign Priority

This section addresses Formal Requirements of Claim for Foreign Priority. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 119(b)), 35 U.S.C. 119(b), and 35 U.S.C. 119(a). Contains: 2 requirements, 2 prohibitions, 2 permissions, and 2 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Ordering Certified Copies

3 rules
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-214-027fab52d9b3ae84d5be4b3e]
Certified Copy Must Be Filed Regardless of Necessity
Note:
The rule requires filing a certified copy in all cases, even if not needed during the application's pendency to overcome reference dates.

It should be particularly noted that the certified copy must be filed in all cases even though it may not be necessary during the pendency of the application to overcome the date of any reference. The statute also gives the Director authority to require a translation of the foreign documents if not in the English language and such other information as the Director may deem necessary. See MPEP § 213.04 for additional information. If an English language translation of a non-English language foreign application is required, the translation must be that of the certified copy (of the foreign application as filed) and it must be filed together with a statement that the translation of the certified copy is accurate.

Jump to MPEP SourceOrdering Certified CopiesCertified Copies of DocumentsPriority Document (Certified Copy)
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-214-16dbc3b3b492c3e252be1233]
Translation Required for Non-English Foreign Documents
Note:
The Director can require translations of foreign documents not in English and any other necessary information as deemed appropriate.

It should be particularly noted that the certified copy must be filed in all cases even though it may not be necessary during the pendency of the application to overcome the date of any reference. The statute also gives the Director authority to require a translation of the foreign documents if not in the English language and such other information as the Director may deem necessary. See MPEP § 213.04 for additional information. If an English language translation of a non-English language foreign application is required, the translation must be that of the certified copy (of the foreign application as filed) and it must be filed together with a statement that the translation of the certified copy is accurate.

Jump to MPEP SourceOrdering Certified CopiesCertified Copies of DocumentsForeign Priority Claims
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-214-1a9d8c4a30ebbbbb5aaf95a1]
Translation of Certified Copy Required
Note:
The English language translation must be of the certified copy of a foreign application and must accompany an accuracy statement.

It should be particularly noted that the certified copy must be filed in all cases even though it may not be necessary during the pendency of the application to overcome the date of any reference. The statute also gives the Director authority to require a translation of the foreign documents if not in the English language and such other information as the Director may deem necessary. See MPEP § 213.04 for additional information. If an English language translation of a non-English language foreign application is required, the translation must be that of the certified copy (of the foreign application as filed) and it must be filed together with a statement that the translation of the certified copy is accurate.

Jump to MPEP SourceOrdering Certified CopiesCertified Copies of DocumentsPriority Document (Certified Copy)
Topic

Right of Priority (Paris Convention)

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-214-22080ab4d2d7cad3ed2613ca]
Priority Claim Must Comply With Formal Requirements
Note:
An applicant must meet specific formal requirements to claim foreign priority within a specified time; failure to do so results in loss of the right of priority.

Under the statute (35 U.S.C. 119(b)), an applicant who wishes to secure the right of priority must comply with certain formal requirements within a time specified. If these requirements are not complied with the right of priority is lost and cannot thereafter be asserted.

Jump to MPEP SourceRight of Priority (Paris Convention)Foreign Priority ClaimsPriority and Benefit Claims
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-214-ca2ff8b837e28f236c42f641]
Requirement for Right of Priority
Note:
An applicant must comply with formal requirements to claim foreign priority; failure results in loss of right that cannot be asserted later.

Under the statute (35 U.S.C. 119(b)), an applicant who wishes to secure the right of priority must comply with certain formal requirements within a time specified. If these requirements are not complied with the right of priority is lost and cannot thereafter be asserted.

Jump to MPEP SourceRight of Priority (Paris Convention)Foreign Priority ClaimsPriority and Benefit Claims
Topic

Design Claim Form

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-214-e426d0dee9c027fbab6a2c39]
Priority Claim Must Be Filed Before Patent Grant
Note:
The claim for priority and related documents must be submitted before the patent is granted, but the Director can set an earlier deadline during the application process.

The maximum time limit specified in the statute is that the claim for priority and the priority papers must be filed before the patent is granted, but the statute gives the Director authority to set this time limit at an earlier time during the pendency of the application. As a result of implementation of Public Law 112-211, 126 Stat. 1527 (titles I and title II of the Patent Law Treaties Implementation Act (PLTIA)), the procedural requirements relating to claims for priority to an earlier-filed foreign application and to the submission of a certified copy of the priority document were revised. The procedural requirements and the time relating to claims for priority of an earlier filed foreign application are set forth in 37 CFR 1.55. See MPEP § 214.01 for procedural requirements pertaining to filing a claim for priority. See MPEP §§ 215.02 – 215.03 for timing requirements for submitting a certified copy of the priority application. See MPEP § 213.06 for claiming foreign priority and filing a certified copy of the priority document in a national stage application and MPEP § 213.07 for claiming foreign priority and filing a certified copy of the priority document in a nonprovisional international design application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.55Design Claim FormForeign Priority for International DesignsDesign Claim Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-214-9b86ad94e94175abc408f3e5]
Claim for Foreign Priority Must Be Filed Before Patent Grant
Note:
The claim for foreign priority and submission of a certified copy of the priority document must be filed before the patent is granted.

The maximum time limit specified in the statute is that the claim for priority and the priority papers must be filed before the patent is granted, but the statute gives the Director authority to set this time limit at an earlier time during the pendency of the application. As a result of implementation of Public Law 112-211, 126 Stat. 1527 (titles I and title II of the Patent Law Treaties Implementation Act (PLTIA)), the procedural requirements relating to claims for priority to an earlier-filed foreign application and to the submission of a certified copy of the priority document were revised. The procedural requirements and the time relating to claims for priority of an earlier filed foreign application are set forth in 37 CFR 1.55. See MPEP § 214.01 for procedural requirements pertaining to filing a claim for priority. See MPEP §§ 215.02 – 215.03 for timing requirements for submitting a certified copy of the priority application. See MPEP § 213.06 for claiming foreign priority and filing a certified copy of the priority document in a national stage application and MPEP § 213.07 for claiming foreign priority and filing a certified copy of the priority document in a nonprovisional international design application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.55Design Claim FormDesign Benefit ClaimsDesign Foreign Priority (6 Months)
Topic

Foreign Priority Claims

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-214-bcf442a43ba93a4fa3f79b5c]
Claim for Foreign Priority Must Be Filed Within Twelve Months
Note:
A claim for foreign priority must be filed within twelve months of the earliest foreign filing date, unless a parent application has already been filed within that period.

Where a claim for priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(b) has not been made in a parent application, the claim for priority may be made in a continuing application provided the parent application has been filed within twelve months from the date of the earliest foreign filing (six months for design applications). See In re Tangsrud, 184 USPQ 746 (Comm’r Pat. 1973). Where the requirements for perfecting priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) – (d) or (f) have not been met before the issuance of patent, see 37 CFR 1.55(g) and MPEP § 216.01 for an explanation of when the deficiencies are correctable by a certificate of correction or reissue.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.55(g)Foreign Priority ClaimsPriority and Benefit ClaimsForeign Priority Claim Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-214-be244b996f135d63605beb85]
Requirements for Perfecting Priority Not Met Before Issuance
Note:
Explains when deficiencies in meeting priority requirements under 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d) or (f) can be corrected by a certificate of correction or reissue after patent issuance.

Where a claim for priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(b) has not been made in a parent application, the claim for priority may be made in a continuing application provided the parent application has been filed within twelve months from the date of the earliest foreign filing (six months for design applications). See In re Tangsrud, 184 USPQ 746 (Comm’r Pat. 1973). Where the requirements for perfecting priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) – (d) or (f) have not been met before the issuance of patent, see 37 CFR 1.55(g) and MPEP § 216.01 for an explanation of when the deficiencies are correctable by a certificate of correction or reissue.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.55(g)Foreign Priority ClaimsPriority and Benefit ClaimsForeign Priority Claim Requirements
Topic

Title Format Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-214-7bad7381b5c657f421f8810e]
Requirements for Filing Priority Claims and Submitting Certified Copies
Note:
The rule outlines the procedural requirements for filing claims to foreign priority and submitting certified copies of the priority document before patent grant.

The maximum time limit specified in the statute is that the claim for priority and the priority papers must be filed before the patent is granted, but the statute gives the Director authority to set this time limit at an earlier time during the pendency of the application. As a result of implementation of Public Law 112-211, 126 Stat. 1527 (titles I and title II of the Patent Law Treaties Implementation Act (PLTIA)), the procedural requirements relating to claims for priority to an earlier-filed foreign application and to the submission of a certified copy of the priority document were revised. The procedural requirements and the time relating to claims for priority of an earlier filed foreign application are set forth in 37 CFR 1.55. See MPEP § 214.01 for procedural requirements pertaining to filing a claim for priority. See MPEP §§ 215.02 – 215.03 for timing requirements for submitting a certified copy of the priority application. See MPEP § 213.06 for claiming foreign priority and filing a certified copy of the priority document in a national stage application and MPEP § 213.07 for claiming foreign priority and filing a certified copy of the priority document in a nonprovisional international design application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.55Title Format RequirementsDesign Title Requirements35 U.S.C. 112 Considerations
Topic

Foreign Priority Claim Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-214-48e8c0de3d572e398674d4f3]
Claim for Priority May Be Made in Continuing Application
Note:
If a claim for priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(b) was not made in the parent application, it can be claimed in a continuing application provided the parent application was filed within twelve months of the earliest foreign filing date (six months for design applications).

Where a claim for priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(b) has not been made in a parent application, the claim for priority may be made in a continuing application provided the parent application has been filed within twelve months from the date of the earliest foreign filing (six months for design applications). See In re Tangsrud, 184 USPQ 746 (Comm’r Pat. 1973). Where the requirements for perfecting priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) – (d) or (f) have not been met before the issuance of patent, see 37 CFR 1.55(g) and MPEP § 216.01 for an explanation of when the deficiencies are correctable by a certificate of correction or reissue.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.55(g)Foreign Priority Claim Requirements12-Month Priority PeriodForeign Filing License – General

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Foreign Priority Claim Requirements
Foreign Priority Claims
35 U.S.C. § 119(a)
Foreign Priority Claim Requirements
Foreign Priority Claims
Right of Priority (Paris Convention)
35 U.S.C. § 119(b)
Design Claim Form
Title Format Requirements
37 CFR § 1.55
Foreign Priority Claim Requirements
Foreign Priority Claims
37 CFR § 1.55(g)
Ordering Certified CopiesMPEP § 213.04
Design Claim Form
Title Format Requirements
MPEP § 213.06
Design Claim Form
Title Format Requirements
MPEP § 213.07
Design Claim Form
Title Format Requirements
MPEP § 214.01
Design Claim Form
Title Format Requirements
MPEP § 215.02
Foreign Priority Claim Requirements
Foreign Priority Claims
MPEP § 216.01

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