What actions must an applicant take to prevent abandonment of a national security classified patent application without a Secrecy Order?

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

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.

According to 37 CFR 5.1(d), an applicant must take one of three actions to prevent abandonment of a national security classified patent application without a Secrecy Order. The MPEP states: Pursuant to 37 CFR 5.1(d), if no Secrecy Order has issued in a national security classified patent application, the Office will set a time period within which the applicant must take one of the following three actions in order to prevent abandonment of the application: (A) obtain a Secrecy Order; (B) declassify the application; or (C) submit evidence of a good faith effort to obtain a Secrecy Order pursuant to 37 CFR 5.2(a). These actions ensure proper handling of potentially sensitive information.

For more information on patent abandonment, visit: patent abandonment.

Topics: MPEP 130-Examination of Secrecy Order Cases Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Contested Case Estoppel, Examination Authority