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

A continuation application and a continuation-in-part (CIP) application are both types of patent applications that claim priority to an earlier filed 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, international application designating the United States, or international design application designating the United States.”
• Continuation-in-part (CIP) application: Repeats a substantial portion of the prior application but also adds new matter not disclosed in the prior application.

The key difference is that a continuation application does not introduce new subject matter, while a CIP application does.

For more information on continuation application, visit: continuation application.

For more information on continuation-in-part application, visit: continuation-in-part application.

For more information on new matter, visit: new matter.

For more information on patent application types, visit: patent application types.