What information must be included in a continuation application?
A continuation application must include specific information to properly establish its relationship to the prior-filed application. The MPEP outlines these requirements:
“If the later-filed application is a nonprovisional application, the reference required by this paragraph must be included in an application data sheet (§ 1.76(b)(5)). The reference also must identify the relationship of the applications, namely, whether the later-filed application is a continuation, divisional, or continuation-in-part of the prior-filed nonprovisional application, international application, or international design application.”
Key information to include:
- Application number of the prior-filed application
- Filing date of the prior-filed application
- Relationship between the applications (e.g., continuation)
- Inventor information, including at least one inventor from the prior application
Ensuring all required information is included helps establish the proper benefit claim and relationship between the applications.
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