What is an incomplete 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 incomplete patent application is one that is not entitled to a filing date because it lacks some of the essential parts required by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). As stated in MPEP 203.06 : An application that is not entitled to a filing date (e.g., for lacking some of the essential parts) is termed an incomplete application. This means that the application is missing crucial components necessary for it to be considered a complete submission and to receive an official filing date from the USPTO. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Incomplete Application Requirement MPEP 203 Incomplete Application Requirements MPEP 203.06 Incomplete Application Requirement MPEP 203 Correspondent Not Entitled to Information Must Be Informed MPEP 203 Recommended Incomplete Application Requirement MPEP 203.06 Status of Allowed Nonprovisional Applications MPEP 203 Required Notice of Allowability Form and Status Inquiries for Patents MPEP 203 Permitted Nonprovisional Application Before First Office Action MPEP 203 Request for Continued Examination Not a New Application MPEP 203 Amendment Before First Office Action Does Not Alter New Application Status MPEP 203 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the USPTO determine if a patent application is incomplete? What are the essential parts of a patent application? Can an incomplete patent application be corrected? What is the process for handling embassy inquiries at the USPTO? How does the USPTO handle inquiries from Congress and the White House?