How does inventorship work in a CPA?

Inventorship in a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) generally carries over from the prior application, but there are some important considerations: The inventive entity of the CPA is automatically the same as the prior application unless a statement is filed requesting deletion of inventors A statement requesting deletion of inventors must be filed with the CPA…

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Can amendments be made when filing a CPA?

Amendments can be made when filing a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA), but there are important restrictions and considerations: Any changes must be made as an amendment to the prior application as it existed before filing the CPA No new matter can be introduced in a CPA Preliminary amendments filed with a CPA are generally entered,…

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How does confidentiality work with CPAs?

Confidentiality in Continued Prosecution Applications (CPAs) is handled differently from standard applications. Filing a CPA includes a waiver of confidentiality to some extent: The CPA is construed to include a waiver of confidentiality under 35 U.S.C. 122 This waiver allows public access to both the prior application and any continuing applications filed under 37 CFR…

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How are CPAs different from RCEs?

Continued Prosecution Applications (CPAs) and Requests for Continued Examination (RCEs) are both methods to continue prosecution of an application, but they have significant differences: CPAs are only available for design patent applications, while RCEs can be used for utility, plant, and design applications CPAs result in a new application with the same application number, while…

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What happens if an improper CPA is filed?

When an improper Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) is filed, the USPTO’s response depends on the type of application and the nature of the impropriety: For utility or plant applications filed on or after July 14, 2003, an improper CPA is treated as a Request for Continued Examination (RCE) if possible If the improper CPA doesn’t…

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What are the different types of patent applications recognized by the USPTO?

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recognizes several types of patent applications. According to MPEP 201, these include: Nonprovisional applications for patent, including utility, design, and plant patent applications Provisional applications for patent International applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Reissue applications Divisional applications Continuation applications Continuation-in-part applications Each type of…

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What are the different types of patent applications?

According to MPEP 201.02, there are several types of patent applications: National applications Provisional applications Nonprovisional applications International applications International design applications The definitions for these terms can be found in 37 CFR 1.9. Additionally, applications can be classified as ‘original’ or ‘continuing’ applications. An original application may be a first filing or a continuing…

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What is the significance of filing dates in patent applications?

Filing dates are crucial in patent law as they establish priority and can affect the patentability of an invention. The MPEP 201.02 discusses various application types and their relationship to filing dates: Original applications (including first filings and continuing applications) generally retain their filing date for priority purposes. Continuing applications (continuations, divisionals, and continuations-in-part) can…

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What is the difference between applications filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b) and 37 CFR 1.53(d) regarding affidavits?

The treatment of affidavits and declarations differs between applications filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b) and those filed under 37 CFR 1.53(d). According to MPEP ΒΆ 2.03: “Do not use this form paragraph in applications filed under 37 CFR 1.53(d) since affidavits and/or declarations, such as those submitted under 37 CFR 1.130, 1.131 and 1.132 filed…

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How does the filing date of a CPA get determined?

The filing date of a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) is determined by the date on which a proper request for a CPA is filed. Specifically, the MPEP states: The filing date of a continued prosecution application is the date on which a request on a separate paper for an application under this paragraph is filed.…

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