MPEP § 711.03(b) — Holding Based on Failure To Reply Within Period (Annotated Rules)

§711.03(b) Holding Based on Failure To Reply Within Period

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 711.03(b), 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.

Holding Based on Failure To Reply Within Period

This section addresses Holding Based on Failure To Reply Within Period. Contains: 3 permissions.

Key Rules

Topic

Period for Reply (37 CFR 1.134)

2 rules
MPEP GuidancePermittedAlways
[mpep-711-03-b-3941888a9100f3b1d2f267d8]
Dispute Over Reply Period Dates
Note:
Examiner and applicant may disagree on when the reply period starts or ends, requiring them to address their differing views.

However, the examiner and the applicant may disagree as to the date on which the period for reply commenced to run or ends. In this situation, as in the situation involving sufficiency of reply, the applicant may take issue with the examiner and point out to him or her that his or her holding was erroneous.

Jump to MPEP SourcePeriod for Reply (37 CFR 1.134)
MPEP GuidancePermittedAlways
[mpep-711-03-b-28221f69bda63f53a4fc59c6]
Dispute Over Reply Period Dates
Note:
The applicant can challenge the examiner's determination of when the reply period began or ended.

However, the examiner and the applicant may disagree as to the date on which the period for reply commenced to run or ends. In this situation, as in the situation involving sufficiency of reply, the applicant may take issue with the examiner and point out to him or her that his or her holding was erroneous.

Jump to MPEP SourcePeriod for Reply (37 CFR 1.134)
Topic

Patent Term Expiration

1 rules
MPEP GuidancePermittedAlways
[mpep-711-03-b-6ad94a5eccc46f4f76849cf0]
Amendment After Reply Period Prohibited
Note:
No reconsideration of abandonment can be presented if an amendment is submitted after the reply period and there is no dispute about the dates.

When an amendment reaches the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office after the expiration of the period for reply and there is no dispute as to the dates involved, no question of reconsideration of a holding of abandonment can be presented.

Jump to MPEP SourcePatent Term ExpirationPatent TermPeriod for Reply (37 CFR 1.134)

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