What happens if an applicant fails to reply within the given time period?

If an applicant fails to reply within the given time period, the application will generally become abandoned. According to 37 CFR 1.135(a):

“If an applicant of a patent application fails to reply within the time period provided under § 1.134 and § 1.136, the application will become abandoned unless an Office action indicates otherwise.”

It’s important to note that extensions of time may be available under certain circumstances to avoid abandonment.

To learn more:

• patent application
• abandonment
• failure to reply
• time period