How are continuation-in-part (CIP) applications handled in terms of examination order?

Continuation-in-part (CIP) applications have a unique treatment when it comes to examination order. The MPEP provides guidance on this: “The actual filing date of a continuation-in-part application is used for docketing purposes. However, the examiner may act on a continuation-in-part application by using the effective filing date, if desired.” This means that while CIP applications…

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