What are the different ways a patent application can become abandoned?

Question

Accepted Answer

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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 203.05 , a patent application can become abandoned in several ways: Through formal abandonment by the applicant or their attorney/agent Failure to take appropriate action during prosecution Failure to pay the issue fee For provisional applications, not filing a nonprovisional application within 12 months The MPEP states: “An abandoned application is, inter alia, one which is removed from the Office docket of pending applications” due to these reasons. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Abandoned Application Requirements MPEP 203 Abandoned Application Requirements MPEP 203.05 Status of Allowed Nonprovisional Applications MPEP 203 Required Nonprovisional Application Before First Office Action MPEP 203 Amended Nonprovisional Application Requirement MPEP 203 Notice of Allowability Form and Status Inquiries for Patents MPEP 203 Permitted Examiner Action Required Within Two Months MPEP 203 Use Patent Center for Status Inquiries MPEP 203 Amendment Before First Office Action Does Not Alter New Application Status MPEP 203 Request for Continued Examination Not a New Application MPEP 203 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How long do I have to file a nonprovisional application after filing a provisional application? What does &#8216;failure to take appropriate action&#8217; mean in patent prosecution? What are the reasons for a patent application to be considered &#8216;abandoned&#8217;? What does it mean when a patent application is &#8216;abandoned&#8217;? What happens if I don&#8217;t pay the issue fee for my patent application?