How does the USPTO notify applicants about non-compliant CPA requests?

When a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) request for a design patent is found to be non-compliant, the USPTO notifies the applicant using a specific form paragraph. This notification informs the applicant about the issue and provides necessary details. According to the MPEP, the examiner uses the following format: ‘Receipt is acknowledged of the request for…

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What is a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) in design patent applications?

A Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) is a type of patent application specifically for design patents. It allows applicants to continue prosecution of a previously filed design application by filing a request for continued examination. CPAs are governed by 37 CFR 1.53(d) and are only available for design applications. For more information on continued prosecution application,…

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Can I amend the specification to refer to a CPA as a continuation of a prior application?

No, you cannot amend the specification to refer to a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) as a continuation of a prior application. The USPTO explicitly denies such amendments. As stated in MPEP ¶ 2.34: The amendment filed [date] requesting that the specification be amended to refer to the present Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) as a [continuation/divisional]…

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