What are the main types of patent applications in the United States?

There are several types of patent applications in the United States:

  • Nonprovisional applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a), including utility, plant, and design patent applications
  • Provisional applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(b)
  • International applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
  • International design applications filed under the Hague Agreement

The MPEP states: Applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) include original nonprovisional utility, plant, design, divisional, continuation, and continuation-in-part applications filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b), reissue applications filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b), and design patent continued prosecution applications (CPAs) filed under 37 CFR 1.53(d).

For more information on Hague Agreement, visit: Hague Agreement.

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

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

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

Topics: MPEP 200 - Types and Status of Application; Benefit and Priority, MPEP 201 - Types of Applications, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: Hague Agreement, international applications, nonprovisional applications, patent applications