How are continued prosecution applications (CPAs) handled on the front page of a patent?

For continued prosecution applications (CPAs) filed under 37 CFR 1.53(d), the front page of a printed patent will include:

  • The application number and filing date of the most recent noncontinued prosecution application
  • All prior applications from which benefit was claimed in the most recent noncontinued prosecution application

Notably, the filing date of the CPA itself is not included. As stated in the MPEP: “The front page of a printed patent issuing on a continued prosecution application (CPA) filed under 37 CFR 1.53(d) will identify the application number and filing date of the most recent noncontinued prosecution application (but not the filing date of the CPA) as well as all prior applications from which benefit was claimed in the most recent noncontinued prosecution application.” (MPEP 202)

Topics: MPEP 200 - Types and Status of Application; Benefit and Priority Claims, MPEP 202-Cross-Noting, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: continued prosecution application, CPA, patent front page, prior applications