What is the definition of an ‘allowed’ application?
An ‘allowed’ application is a nonprovisional patent application that has been examined and determined to meet all statutory requirements. The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) states:
“An ‘allowed’ nonprovisional application or an application ‘in issue’ is one which has been examined and determined to meet all statutory requirements, and in which a notice of allowance has been sent to the applicant.”
This means that the patent examiner has reviewed the application and found it to be in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and has subsequently issued a notice of allowance to the applicant.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 200 - Types and Status of Application; Benefit and Priority,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure