What is an ‘amended’ nonprovisional patent application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. An ‘amended’ nonprovisional patent application is one that has undergone a specific process in the examination procedure. According to MPEP 203.03 : An ‘amended’ nonprovisional application is one that having been acted on by the examiner, has in turn been acted on by the applicant in reply to the examiner’s action. In simpler terms, it means that after the patent examiner has reviewed and responded to the application, the applicant has then taken some action in response to the examiner’s feedback. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Amended Nonprovisional Application Requirement MPEP 203 Amended Nonprovisional Application Requirement MPEP 203.03 Nonprovisional Application Before First Office Action MPEP 203 Status of Allowed Nonprovisional Applications MPEP 203 Required Notice of Allowability Form and Status Inquiries for Patents MPEP 203 Permitted Reply May Include Election, Traversal, Or Amendment MPEP 203.03 Permitted Reply Can Include Election, Traversal, Or Amendment MPEP 203 Permitted Request for Continued Examination Not a New Application MPEP 203 Amendment Before First Office Action Does Not Alter New Application Status MPEP 203 Notice of Allowance Marks Allowed Status MPEP 203 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the patent examination process work? What is the difference between a nonprovisional and a provisional patent application? What actions can an applicant take in response to an examiner&#8217;s action? How does an application become &#8216;amended&#8217;? When is a patent application considered &#8220;amended&#8221;?