What does ‘termination of proceedings’ mean in patent law?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 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. ‘Termination of proceedings’ is a legal concept in patent law, specifically mentioned in 35 U.S.C. 120 . It refers to the end of patent application processing under certain circumstances. The MPEP states: ‘Termination of proceedings’ is an expression found in 35 U.S.C. 120. As there stated, a second application is considered to be copending with an earlier application if it is filed before (A) the patenting, (B) the abandonment of, or (C) termination of proceedings on the earlier application. This concept is crucial for determining the status of related patent applications and their priority claims. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Invention Must Not Be Anticipated by Prior Art MPEP 2131 Permitted Claim Must Be Anticipated Broadly MPEP 2131 Required Claim Must Be Anticipated Over Prior Art MPEP 2131 Claim Must Be Fully Anticipated By Single Reference MPEP 2131 Claim Must Be Fully Disclosed In One Reference MPEP 2131 Claim Covers Multiple Structures Anticipated If Any Known MPEP 2131 Claim Must Be Fully Described MPEP 2131 Required Claim Must Be Anticipated By Single Prior Art Reference MPEP 2131 Elements Must Match Claim Order MPEP 2131 Required Heading for Claim Rejections under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) MPEP 1205.02 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the difference between anticipation and obviousness in patent rejections? What is the difference between rejections under 35 U.S.C. 102 and 35 U.S.C. 103? What is the significance of canceled matter in U.S. patent files? Can a 35 U.S.C. 102 rejection be made if the reference doesn&#8217;t teach how to practice the invention? What is the difference between 35 U.S.C. 102 and 35 U.S.C. 103 i...