How are application numbers assigned by the USPTO?
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.
The USPTO assigns application numbers to patent applications immediately after mail has been opened. According to MPEP 503, application numbers consist of a series code and a serial number. The series codes are assigned based on the type of application and the time period in which it was filed. For example:
- 01/ – 16/ for nonprovisional applications (utility, plant, and reissue), with different ranges for specific time periods
- 29/ for design applications
- 35/ for international design applications
- 60/, 61/, and 62/ for provisional applications
- 90/ for ex parte reexamination proceedings
- 95/ for inter partes reexamination proceedings
- 96/ for supplemental examination proceedings and resulting ex parte reexamination proceedings
The MPEP notes: “If an application is filed using the USPTO patent electronic filing system, EFS-Web provides an Acknowledgement Receipt that contains a time and date stamp, an application number and a confirmation number.”
It’s important to note that the application number on a filing receipt is the official number, which may differ from any preliminary number provided on a postcard receipt.
For more information on application number, visit: application number.
For more information on patent application types, visit: patent application types.
For more information on serial number, visit: serial number.
For more information on series code, visit: series code.