What are the requirements for a complete patent application?

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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. A complete patent application must include the following elements: Specification (including a description and claim(s)) Drawing(s) (when necessary) Oath or declaration Filing, search, and examination fees As stated in MPEP 601.01 : ‘The application for patent as filed must include a specification as prescribed by 35 U.S.C. 112, at least one claim as prescribed by 35 U.S.C. 112, and, in applications other than design applications, any drawing referred to in the specification or required by 35 U.S.C. 113.’ Additionally, the applicant must submit an oath or declaration and pay the necessary fees to complete the application. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Fee Required for Patent Application MPEP 601 Required Fee and Oath/Declaration Requirement for Patent Application MPEP 601 Required Application Must Include Basic Fees, Claims, and Oath/Declaration Within Three Months MPEP 601.01 Required Written Description and Other Requirements for Pre-2013 Filing MPEP 601.01 Provisional Application Must Include Cover Sheet MPEP 601.01 Required Provisional Application Must Include Cover Sheet and Fee MPEP 601.01 Required Filing Requirements for Nonprovisional and Provisional Applications MPEP 601.01 Required Fees for Complete Application MPEP 601 Contents of Patent Application Required MPEP 601 Required CPAs Only for Design Applications Filed Under 111(a) MPEP 601.01 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can I file a patent application without claims? What is the difference between a specification and claims in a patent application? Can a design application be considered complete without drawings? What are the consequences of filing an incomplete applicat...