How can I extend the time for taking action on a U.S.-owned application important to national defense?
Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27
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.
To extend the time for taking action on a U.S.-owned application important to national defense, you need to file a petition under 35 U.S.C. 267. This petition is decided by the Director of the Technology Center who Oversees Licensing and Review.
According to MPEP 1002.02(c)(1): “All petitions filed under 35 U.S.C. 267 to extend the time for taking action in United States-owned applications wherein the invention is important to the armament or defense of the United States.”
For more information on time extensions, you can refer to MPEP 710.