What happens if I miss the deadline for responding to an Office action in a patent application?

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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 you miss the deadline for responding to an Office action, your patent application may be considered abandoned. According to MPEP 711 , ‘Abandonment may be either of the invention or of an application. This section relates to abandonment of the application for patent.’ The MPEP further states: ‘An application becomes abandoned if applicant does not reply within the fixed statutory period. This period may be extended under some circumstances.’ However, you may have options to revive the application under certain circumstances. It’s crucial to respond promptly to all Office actions to avoid abandonment. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Express Abandonment of Patent Application MPEP 711 Permitted Abandonment After Non-Final Office Action Deadline MPEP 711.04(a) Permitted Abandonment of Patent Application MPEP 711 Application Abandoned If Omission Not Corrected Within Time MPEP 711.03(c) Declaration Required for Abandonment of Patent Application MPEP 711 Permitted Attorney Can Abandon Prior Patent Application When Filing Continuing Application MPEP 711 Permitted 3 Month Period After Non-Final Office Action Expiration MPEP 711.04(a) Permitted 3 Month Period After Non-Final Office Action Expired MPEP 711.04(a) Permitted Application Must Be Explicitly Abandoned MPEP 711 Reply Required Within Time Period Otherwise Abandoned MPEP 711 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What happens if an applicant fails to respond to a request for a property rights statement? When is a provisional patent application considered abandoned? What happens to abandoned applications that are later revived? What happens to an application after it becomes abandoned? Can failure to...