How is the application date determined for patent term extension purposes?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29

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 determination of the application date for patent term extension purposes is specifically addressed in 35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1):

“For purposes of determining the date on which a product receives permission under the second sentence of this paragraph, if such permission is transmitted after 4:30 P.M., Eastern Time, on a business day, or is transmitted on a day that is not a business day, the product shall be deemed to receive such permission on the next business day.”

This provision ensures that applicants have a full business day to prepare and submit their application within the 60-day filing period. The statute also defines “business day” as any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, excluding legal holidays under 5 U.S.C. 6103.

Topics: Adjustments And Extensions MPEP 2700 - Patent Terms MPEP 2752 - Patent Term Extension Applicant Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Correspondence General, Documents Requiring Signature, Pte Determination, Pte Products, Term Basics