What are the requirements for claiming foreign priority in an international design application designating the United States?

For an international design application designating the United States, the requirements for claiming foreign priority are as follows:

  • The claim for priority can be made in accordance with the Hague Agreement and the Hague Agreement Regulations.
  • The claim must comply with the conditions and requirements of 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d) and 172.
  • Priority can be claimed with respect to a prior foreign application, international application (PCT) designating at least one country other than the United States, or a prior international design application designating at least one country other than the United States.

The MPEP states: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 386(b) and 37 CFR 1.55, an international design application designating the United States may make a claim of foreign priority in accordance with the conditions and requirements of 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d) and 172 and the Hague Agreement and Regulations thereunder with respect to a prior foreign application, international application (PCT) designating at least one country other than the United States, or a prior international design application designating at least one country other than the United States.

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Topics: MPEP 200 - Types and Status of Application; Benefit and Priority, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: foreign priority, Hague Agreement, International Design Application, USPTO