Patent Law FAQ
This FAQ answers all your questions about patent law, patent procedure, and the patent examination process.
There are three main types of national applications for patents in the United States:
- Nonprovisional applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a)
- Provisional applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(b)
- International applications that have entered the national stage in the United States
As stated in MPEP 201.01: “Applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) include original nonprovisional utility, plant, design, divisional, continuation, and continuation-in-part applications filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b), reissue applications filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b), and design patent continued prosecution applications (CPAs) filed under 37 CFR 1.53(d).”
For more information on international applications, visit: international applications.
For more information on nonprovisional applications, visit: nonprovisional applications.
Topics:
MPEP 200 – Types and Status of Application; Benefit and Priority,
MPEP 201 – Types of Applications,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure