What are the requirements for a request for deferral of examination under 37 CFR 1.103(d)?
Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10
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 request for deferral of examination under 37 CFR 1.103(d) has specific requirements. According to MPEP 709:
“A request for deferral of examination under 37 CFR 1.103(d) must include the following:
- (A) A period of suspension, in a whole number of months, not extending beyond three years from the earliest filing date for which a benefit is claimed under title 35, United States Code;
- (B) The publication fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.18(d); and
- (C) The processing fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(i).”
Additionally, the request must be filed before the first Office action on the merits, and the applicant must not have filed a nonpublication request under 37 CFR 1.213(a).