This page consolidates MPEP guidance interpreting 35 U.S.C. § 371, including 793 rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Summary

The national stage commencement represents the critical procedural transition where an international patent application enters specific national patent office processing under 35 USC 371.

What this section covers

• Procedural steps for transitioning an international patent application into national patent examination processes.
• Administrative requirements for filing and processing international patent applications in the national stage.

Key obligations

• Submit required documentation and fees for national stage entry within prescribed timeframes.
• Comply with specific national patent office requirements for converting an international application into a national application.

Conditions and exceptions

• Recognize potential variations in national stage entry requirements across different jurisdictions.

Practice notes

• Track international application deadlines carefully to prevent unintentional abandonment during national stage transition.
• Prepare comprehensive documentation meeting both international and specific national patent office standards.