What happens to continuation-in-part (CIP) applications filed under former 37 CFR 1.62 after December 1, 1997?

Continuation-in-part (CIP) applications filed under former 37 CFR 1.62 on or after December 1, 1997, are treated as improper applications. This also applies to continuation or divisional applications of applications filed before June 8, 1995. The MPEP states:

“A request filed on or after December 1, 1997, under former 37 CFR 1.62 for a continuation-in-part (CIP) application, or for a continuation or divisional of an application having a filing date before June 8, 1995, will be treated as an improper application.”

This change in procedure highlights the importance of using the correct application type and filing method after the deletion of 37 CFR 1.62.