What is the difference between a continuation and a continuation-in-part application?

A continuation application and a continuation-in-part (CIP) application are both types of patent applications that stem from an earlier application, but they differ in their content:

• Continuation application: Contains the same disclosure as the prior application without adding any new matter. As stated in MPEP 201.07, ‘A continuation application is an application for the invention(s) disclosed in a prior-filed copending nonprovisional application… The disclosure presented in the continuation must not include any subject matter which would constitute new matter if submitted as an amendment to the parent application.’
• Continuation-in-part application: Repeats a substantial portion of the prior application but also adds new matter not disclosed in the parent application.

The key distinction is that a continuation-in-part introduces new subject matter, while a continuation does not.

To learn more:

• continuation application
• continuation-in-part
• CIP
• patent application types
• new matter