What are the kind codes for U.S. patent publications?
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.
U.S. patent publications use specific kind codes to indicate the type and status of a document. According to MPEP 901.04(a):
- A1: Patent Application Publication
- A2: Republished Patent Application Publication
- A9: Corrected Patent Application Publication
- B1: Utility Patent
- B2: Utility Patent (issued after reexamination)
- C1, C2, C3, etc.: Reexamination Certificate
- E1: Reissue Patent
- H1: Statutory Invention Registration (SIR)
- P1: Plant Patent
- S1: Design Patent
These codes help identify the specific type and status of a U.S. patent document at a glance.