What happens if the international application is withdrawn before international publication?
Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27
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If an international application is withdrawn before international publication, it will not be published. The MPEP states:
“If the international application is withdrawn or considered withdrawn before technical preparations for international publication have been completed, international publication will not occur.”
This is specified in MPEP 1857. It’s important to note that the withdrawal must occur before the technical preparations for publication are completed to prevent publication.