What are the different types of national applications in U.S. patent law?

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 MPEP 201.01, there are three main types of national applications in U.S. patent law:

• Original applications: These include both provisional and nonprovisional applications.
• Reissue applications: Filed to correct an error in an already issued patent.
• Reexamination applications: Used to request a review of an existing patent.

The MPEP states: National applications include original (nonprovisional and provisional), reissue, and reexamination applications. Each type serves a specific purpose in the patent application process.

For more information on reissue applications, visit: reissue applications.