Are provisional patent applications assigned to examiners?

Question

Accepted Answer

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. No, provisional patent applications are not assigned to examiners for examination. MPEP 504 explicitly states: “Provisional applications will not be examined.” This is because provisional applications are primarily used to establish a priority date and are not subject to substantive examination. Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How are nonprovisional patent applications assigned for examination? What is PSTAR in patent examination? Are provisional patent applications examined? Can I use a Certificate of Mailing or Transmission for correspondence from outside the United States? Can international applicants claim micro entity status based on gross income?