What are the consequences of not providing timely notice of foreign filing after making a nonpublication request?

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.

Failing to provide timely notice of foreign filing after making a nonpublication request can have serious consequences. According to 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(iii) and MPEP 1123:

A failure of the applicant to provide such notice within the prescribed period shall result in the application being regarded as abandoned.

To avoid abandonment, an applicant who has filed a nonpublication request must:

  • File a notice of foreign filing within 45 days of filing a counterpart application in a foreign country or under a multilateral international agreement
  • Or, rescind the nonpublication request before filing the foreign application

It’s crucial for applicants to be aware of these requirements and act promptly to maintain their patent rights.

Tags: application processing, foreign filing notice, nonpublication request, patent abandonment