Can a continuation-in-part (CIP) application claim benefit to multiple prior applications?

Can a continuation-in-part (CIP) application claim benefit to multiple prior applications?

Yes, a continuation-in-part (CIP) application can claim benefit to multiple prior applications, provided certain conditions are met. The MPEP states:

“An applicant may claim the benefit of the filing date of one or more prior applications under 35 U.S.C. 120, 121, 365(c), or 386(c) in a later-filed application … if the later-filed application is filed before the patenting or abandonment of or termination of proceedings on the prior application.”

However, it’s important to note that for a CIP application:

• New matter in the CIP will only get the benefit of the CIP’s filing date.
• Matter disclosed in the prior application(s) can claim the earlier filing date(s).
• Each claim in the CIP is evaluated separately to determine which filing date it is entitled to.

For more details, see MPEP 211.01 and MPEP 201.08.

To learn more:

• continuation-in-part
• CIP
• multiple prior applications
• 35 U.S.C. 120
• 35 U.S.C. 121
• 35 U.S.C. 365(c)
• 35 U.S.C. 386(c)

To learn more:

• 35 U.S.C. 120
• 35 U.S.C. 121
• 35 U.S.C. 365(c)
• 35 U.S.C. 386(c)