What are the different types of patent applications?
According to MPEP 201.02, there are several types of patent applications:
- National applications
- Provisional applications
- Nonprovisional applications
- International applications
- International design applications
The definitions for these terms can be found in 37 CFR 1.9. Additionally, applications can be classified as ‘original’ or ‘continuing’ applications. An original application may be a first filing or a continuing application, while a continuing application can be a continuation, divisional, or continuation-in-part application.
For more information on continuing applications, visit: continuing applications.
For more information on international applications, visit: international applications.
For more information on international design applications, visit: international design applications.
For more information on nonprovisional applications, visit: nonprovisional applications.
For more information on patent applications, visit: patent applications.