When is a patent application considered “amended”?

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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. According to MPEP 203.03, a nonprovisional patent application is considered “amended” after it has been initially acted on by the examiner, and the applicant has filed a reply to the examiner’s action. The applicant’s reply may include: An election A traverse of the examiner’s action An amendment to the application Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Reply May Include Election, Traversal, Or Amendment MPEP 203.03 Permitted Notice of Allowability Form and Status Inquiries for Patents MPEP 203 Permitted Status of Allowed Nonprovisional Applications MPEP 203 Required Check Patent Center for Application Status MPEP 203 Recommended AAU Checks Application Status MPEP 203 Examiner Action Required Within Two Months MPEP 203 Reply Can Include Election, Traversal, Or Amendment MPEP 203 Permitted Amended Nonprovisional Application Requirement MPEP 203 Amended Nonprovisional Application Requirement MPEP 203.03 Status Information Available Through Patent Center MPEP 203 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does an application become &#8216;amended&#8217;? What does it mean for a patent application to be &#8216;amended&#8217;? How does the patent examination process work? What is the difference between a nonprovisional and a provisional patent application? What actions can an applicant take in response to an examiner&#8217;s action?