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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What is the legal basis for denying amendments to CPA specifications?

The legal basis for denying amendments to Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) specifications that attempt to reference prior applications stems from both federal regulations and patent law. Specifically: 37 CFR 1.53(d)(7): This regulation establishes that a CPA request itself serves as the specific reference required by 35 U.S.C. 120. 35 U.S.C. 120: This statute outlines the…

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