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

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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. If an applicant fails to reply within the statutory period, the application becomes abandoned. According to MPEP 711.03(b) : An application becomes abandoned if applicant ‘fails to reply’ to an Office action within the fixed statutory period. This means the application is no longer pending and will not be examined further unless revived. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Reply Required Within Time Period Otherwise Abandoned MPEP 711 Failure to Reply Within Three Months Is Per Se a Failure MPEP 2734 Application Must Be Explicitly Abandoned MPEP 711 Reply Required to Save Application from Abandonment MPEP 711 Required Amendments Not Saving Application from Abandonment MPEP 711 New Time Period for Inadvertently Omitted Matter in Reply to Non-Final Office Action MPEP 711 Permitted Declaration Required for Abandonment of Patent Application MPEP 711 Permitted Express Abandonment Must Be Timely Received MPEP 711 Prohibited Written Declaration Must Be Signed by Authorized Party MPEP 711 Required Attorney Can Abandon Prior Patent Application When Filing Continuing Application MPEP 711 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the difference between &#8216;abandonment&#8217; and &#8216;holding of abandonment&#8217; in patent applications? What is a &#8216;holding of abandonment&#8217; in patent applications? What is required in a petition to revive an abandoned patent application? How can I prevent a holding of abandonment in my patent application? Can an abandoned application be revived?