What happened to 37 CFR 1.60 regarding divisional and continuation applications?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09

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.

37 CFR 1.60, which previously governed the filing of divisional and continuation applications, was deleted effective December 1, 1997. As stated in the MPEP, 37 CFR 1.60 was deleted effective December 1, 1997. See 1203 O.G. 63, October 21, 1997. This change significantly impacted the procedure for filing these types of applications.

For more information on continuation applications, visit: continuation applications.

Topics: MPEP 200 – Types and Status of Application; Benefit and Priority MPEP 201 – Types of Applications Patent Law Patent Procedure
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