What are the language requirements for filing an international application with the USPTO?
The language requirements for filing an international application with the USPTO are specified in MPEP 1810 and 37 CFR 1.431(b)(2):
“The international application is in the English language ( 35 U.S.C. 361(c) , PCT Art. 11(1)(ii) ).”
If an international application is not in English, the USPTO is not competent to receive it. However, the MPEP states:
“The USPTO is also not competent to receive international applications that are not in the English language and, upon payment of a fee equal to the transmittal fee, the USPTO will forward such applications to the International Bureau under PCT Rule 19.4 provided they are in a language accepted by the International Bureau as receiving Office.”
This means that non-English applications can still be filed with the USPTO, but they will be forwarded to the International Bureau, which accepts applications in multiple languages.
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