What are the main components of a complete nonprovisional patent application?

A complete nonprovisional patent application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) comprises the following components: A specification, including claims, as prescribed by 35 U.S.C. 112 Drawings as prescribed by 35 U.S.C. 113 An oath or declaration as prescribed by 35 U.S.C. 115 The prescribed filing fee, search fee, examination fee, and application size fee As stated…

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What are the requirements for a nonprovisional utility patent application to receive a filing date?

For nonprovisional utility patent applications filed on or after December 18, 2013, the requirements to receive a filing date are: A specification With or without claims Prior to December 18, 2013, the requirements were: A specification containing a description and at least one claim Any drawing necessary under 35 U.S.C. 113 The USPTO states: Effective…

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Can a claim refer to figures or tables in the specification?

According to MPEP 608.01(m), claims should not refer to figures or tables in the specification unless absolutely necessary. The MPEP states: Where possible, claims are to be complete in themselves. Incorporation by reference to a specific figure or table ‘is permitted only in exceptional circumstances where there is no practical way to define the invention…

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What are the filing requirements for a provisional application?

What are the filing requirements for a provisional application? A provisional application must include: A specification as prescribed by 35 U.S.C. 112(a), except claims are not required Any drawings necessary to understand the invention The inventor’s oath or declaration is not required The appropriate filing fee According to MPEP 601.01(b): ‘A provisional application must include…

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What happens if a specification is filed attached to an oath or declaration after the application filing date?

According to MPEP 602.08(c), when a specification is filed attached to an oath or declaration after the initial application filing date, the USPTO follows a specific procedure: Any specification that is filed attached to an oath or declaration on a date later than the application filing date will not be compared with the specification submitted…

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