What happens to Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) when filing a CPA?

When filing a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA), previously filed Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) are handled as follows:

• All IDSs filed in the prior application that comply with 37 CFR 1.98 are automatically considered in the CPA
• No specific request is needed for the examiner to consider the previously submitted information
• New IDSs can be filed in the CPA and will be considered if they comply with the content requirements and are filed before the first Office action

The MPEP states: All information disclosure statements filed in the prior application that comply with the content requirements of 37 CFR 1.98 will be considered in a CPA by the examiner. No specific request that the previously submitted information be considered in a CPA is required.

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