What is the maximum statutory period for reply in patent applications?

What is the maximum statutory period for reply in patent applications?

The maximum statutory period for reply in patent applications is six months. This is specified in MPEP 710, which states:

35 U.S.C. 133 and 35 U.S.C. 154(b)(2)(A)(ii) provide that no application shall be regarded as abandoned if the application includes a request for continued examination in compliance with 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), prior to the expiration of the 6-month statutory period set in 35 U.S.C. 133.

While shorter periods may be set for specific actions, no period for reply can exceed this six-month statutory limit.

To learn more:

• statutory period
• reply period
• patent application
• MPEP 710

To learn more:

• Office action response
• USPTO