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

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.

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.