What happens if the national stage requirements are not met within the time limit?

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.

If the national stage requirements are not met within the time limit, the application will be considered abandoned. However, there are provisions for reviving an abandoned application under certain circumstances.

MPEP 601.04 explains: “If the basic national fee and copy of the international application are not filed by the expiration of the applicable time period set in 35 U.S.C. 371(b), the application will be considered to be abandoned.” However, the MPEP also notes that “a petition to revive under 37 CFR 1.137 may be granted if the delay was unintentional.”

Topics: Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: national stage entry, Pct Application, Revival Petition