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{{Short description|Type of patent application}}
Under [[United States patent law]], a '''continuing patent application''' is a [[patent application]] that follows, and [[Priority right|claims priority to]], an earlier-filed patent application.
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Under [[United States patent law]], a '''continuing patent application''' is a [[patent application]] that follows, and [[Priority right|claims priority to]], an earlier-filed patent application. A continuing patent application may be one of three types: a continuation, [[Divisional patent application|divisional]], or continuation-in-part. Although continuation and continuation-in-part applications are generally available in the U.S. only, divisional patent applications are also available in other countries, as such availability is required under Article 4G of the [[Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property|Paris Convention]].

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A continuing patent application may be one of three types: a continuation, [[Divisional patent application|divisional]], or continuation-in-part. Although continuation and continuation-in-part applications are generally available in the U.S. only, divisional patent applications are also available in other countries, as such availability is required under Article 4G of the [[Paris Convention]].


==Early history==
==Early history==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:AI4.jpg|thumb|Example of early "Additional Improvement Patent" from 1838|200px]] -->
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:AI4.jpg|thumb|Example of early "Additional Improvement Patent" from 1838|200px]] -->
From 1838 to 1861, inventors could file patent applications on improvements to their inventions. These were published as "additional improvement patents" and were given numbers preceded by "A.I.". About 300 of these patents were issued.<ref>[http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/documents/0900_901_04.htm M.P.E.P. 901.04 U.S. Patents Prior Art, Classification, and Search]</ref>
From 1838 to 1861, inventors could file patent applications on improvements to their inventions. These were published as "additional improvement patents" and were given numbers preceded by "A.I.". About 300 of these patents were issued.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s901.html|title=MPEP|website=www.uspto.gov}}</ref>

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==Current law in the U.S.==


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==Current law==
Under the law in the U.S., inventors may file several different types of patent applications to cover new improvements to their inventions or to cover different aspects of their inventions. These types of patent applications include "continuation", "divisional", "continuation in part", and "reissue".
Under the law in the U.S., inventors may file several different types of patent applications to cover new improvements to their inventions or to cover different aspects of their inventions. These types of patent applications include "continuation", "divisional", "continuation in part", and "reissue".


=== Continuation ===
=== Continuation ===

A "continuation application" is a patent application filed by an applicant who wants to pursue additional [[claim (patent)|claim]]s to an [[invention]] disclosed in an earlier application of the applicant (the "parent" application) that has not yet been issued or abandoned. The continuation uses the same specification as the pending parent application, claims the priority based on the filing date of the parent, and must name at least one of the inventors named in the parent application. This type of application is useful when a [[patent examiner]] allowed some, but rejected other claims in an application, or where an applicant may not have exhausted all useful ways of claiming different embodiments of the invention.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s201.html|title=Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) § 201.07 Continuation Application [R-07.2015] |accessdate=2017-02-23}}</ref>
A "continuation application" is a patent application filed by an applicant who wants to pursue additional [[claim (patent)|claim]]s to an [[invention]] disclosed in an earlier application of the applicant (the "parent" application) that has not yet been issued or abandoned. The continuation uses the same specification as the pending parent application, claims the priority based on the filing date of the parent, and must name at least one of the inventors named in the parent application. This type of application is useful when a [[patent examiner]] allowed some, but rejected other claims in an application, or where an applicant may not have exhausted all useful ways of claiming different embodiments of the invention.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s201.html|title=Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) § 201.07 Continuation Application [R-07.2015] |accessdate=2017-02-23}}</ref>


During the prosecution of a continuation application, the applicant may not add additional disclosure to the specification. If the inventor needs to supplement the disclosure of the earlier parent application, he has to file a continuation-in-part application.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s201.html|title=Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) § 201.08 Continuation-in-Part Application [R-07.2015]|accessdate=2017-02-23}}</ref>
During the prosecution of a continuation application, the applicant may not add additional disclosure to the specification. If the inventor needs to supplement the disclosure of the earlier parent application, he has to file a continuation-in-part application.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s201.html|title=Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) § 201.08 Continuation-in-Part Application [R-07.2015]|accessdate=2017-02-23}}</ref>

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===Request for continued examination ===


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===Request for continued examination (RCE) ===
In the typical case, a patent examiner will examine patent claims and amendments in an original patent application for two rounds of "office actions" before ending examination. However, often two office actions are not enough to resolve all of the issues in the patent prosecution.
In the typical case, a patent examiner will examine patent claims and amendments in an original patent application for two rounds of "office actions" before ending examination. However, often two office actions are not enough to resolve all of the issues in the patent prosecution.


A request for continued examination (RCE) is a request by an applicant for continued prosecution after the patent office has issued a "final" rejection or after prosecution "on the merits" has been closed (for example by a Notice of Allowance (NOA)). An RCE is not considered a continuing patent application - rather, prosecution of the pending application is reopened.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uspto.gov/patents/law/aipa/rcefaq.jsp|title=Request for Continued Examination (RCE) Questions and Answers|publisher=USPTO|quote=.... to provide, at the request of the applicant, for continued examination of an application for a fee (request for continued examination or RCE practice), '''without requiring the applicant to file a continuing application''' ...|accessdate=5 February 2015}}</ref> The inventor pays an additional filing fee and continues to argue his case with the patent examiner. No RCE was allowed prior to June 8, 1995. See 37 CFR 1.114.
A request for continued examination (RCE) is a request by an applicant for continued prosecution after the patent office has issued a "final" rejection or after prosecution "on the merits" has been closed (for example by a Notice of Allowance or by a Final Rejection). An RCE is not considered a continuing patent application - rather, prosecution of the pending application is reopened.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uspto.gov/patents/law/aipa/rcefaq.jsp|title=Request for Continued Examination (RCE) Questions and Answers|publisher=USPTO|quote=.... to provide, at the request of the applicant, for continued examination of an application for a fee (request for continued examination or RCE practice), '''without requiring the applicant to file a continuing application''' ...|accessdate=5 February 2015}}</ref> The inventor pays an additional filing fee and continues to argue his case with the patent examiner. No RCE was allowed prior to June 8, 1995.<ref>37 CFR 1.114.</ref>


====QPIDS Program====
====QPIDS program====
Because of a large number of last-minute Requests for Continuing Examination (RCEs) due to new prior art being found, and the additional burden these RCEs impose on examination, the USPTO launched in May 2012 the Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement (QPIDS) Pilot Program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uspto.gov/patent/initiatives/quick-path-information-disclosure-statement-qpids|title = Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement}}</ref> The program can be used to submit an [[Information Disclosure Statement]] (IDS) during the time interval after payment of the issue fee but prior to patent grant. Only if the examiner feels that the references on the IDS are material, a Request for Continuous Examination is executed and examination is reopened. Prior to QPIDS program, launching a full-scale RCE was the only option to introduce new prior art during that time interval. Filing a QPIDS request requires a payment of full RCE and IDS fees, which are refunded, if no RCE is opened. However, QPIDS petition fee is not returned.<ref>[https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/qpids_faq.pdf Frequently Asked Questions. QPIDS Program] uspto.gov</ref>


Ca. 2018 the QPIDS program became permanent,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.uspto.gov/patents/initiatives/quick-path-information-disclosure-statement-qpids | title=Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement }}</ref> even though USPTO's own study in 2014 showed very low applicants' participation rate.<ref>USPTO, RAPID RISE IN THE REQUEST FOR CONTINUED EXAMINATION BACKLOG REVEALS CHALLENGES IN TIMELY ISSUANCE OF PATENTS. FINAL REPORT NO. OIG-14-024-A at 17–18 (June 30, 2014) (showing participation rate for QPIDS at 2,480 between May 2012-November 2013 and a participation rate of 16,598 for the AFCP 2.0 program between May 2013-November 2013)</ref>
In light of the frequency of last-minute RCEs caused by new prior art being found, and the additional burden these RCEs impose on examination, the USPTO has started the Quick Path IDS consideration pilot program.<ref>http://www.uspto.gov/patent/initiatives/quick-path-information-disclosure-statement-qpids</ref> The program allows for a "conditional RCE" and IDS to be submitted along with a petition. If the examiner feels that the references on the IDS are material, the RCE is executed and examination is reopened. The QPIDS pilot program has been extended to run through September 30, 2016.


=== Divisional ===
=== Divisional ===
{{See also|Divisional patent application}}
{{See also|Divisional patent application}}
A divisional application also claims priority based on the filing date of the parent application, but differs from a continuation application in that a divisional application claims a distinct or independent invention "carved out" of the parent application. A divisional application must share at least one of the inventors named in the parent application. A divisional application is often filed after the examiner issued a "restriction requirement", because a patent can only claim a single invention (cf. [[unity of invention]]).
A divisional application also claims priority based on the filing date of the parent application, but differs from a continuation application in that a divisional application claims a distinct or independent invention "carved out" of the parent application. A divisional application must share at least one of the inventors named in the parent application. A divisional application is often filed after the examiner issued a "restriction requirement", because a patent can only claim a single invention (cf. [[unity of invention]]). The [[USPTO]] practice of splitting patent applications into numerous divisionals has been criticized as an abuse intended to increase the USPTO revenues at the expense of patent holders.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.attorneyatlaw.com/definition/divisional-patent-application|title=Divisional Patent Application|accessdate=8 July 2023}}</ref>


=== Continuation-in-part ===
=== Continuation-in-part (CIP) ===
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A "continuation-in-part" application ("CIP" or "CIP application") is one in which the applicant ''adds'' subject matter not disclosed in the parent patent application, but repeats a substantial portion of the parent's specification, and shares at least one [[inventor]] with the parent application. The CIP application is a convenient way to claim enhancements developed after the parent application was filed. It is the successor to the earlier "additional improvement" patents mentioned above. For a continuation-in-part application, claims to subject matter that was also disclosed in the parent are entitled to the parent's priority date, while claims to the additional subject matter are only entitled to the filing date of the CIP application.<ref name="auto"/>


A patent of addition is available in Israel, which is generally similar to a CIP in the U.S.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}
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A "continuation-in-part" application ("CIP" or "CIP application") is one in which the applicant ''adds'' subject matter not disclosed in the parent, but repeats substantial portion of the parent's specification, and shares at least one [[inventor]] with the parent application. The CIP application is a convenient way to claim enhancements developed after the parent application was filed. It is the successor to the earlier "additional improvement" patents mentioned above. For a continuation-in-part application, claims to subject matter that was also disclosed in the parent are entitled to the parent’s priority date, while claims to the additional subject matter are only entitled to the filing date of the CIP application.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s201.html|title=Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) § 201.08 Continuation-in-Part Application [R-07.2015]|accessdate=2017-02-23}}</ref>


=== Reissue ===
=== Reissue ===
If an issued patent is found to be defective, the patent owner can surrender the patent and file a reissue application to correct the defect. One such defect occurs when the issued patent claims either more or less than the coverage to which the patentee is entitled, the latter situation resulting in a "broadening reissue". Thus, an inventor can submit a reissue application with broader claims and attempt to get the full coverage to which he or she is entitled. The inventor is not, however, allowed to add new features to the disclosure. A broadening reissue application must be filed within two years from the grant date of the originally issued patent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s1401.html|title=MPEP|website=www.uspto.gov}}</ref> A reissue patent has the [[kind code]] E.<ref name="usptokindcode">[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/support-centers/electronic-business-center/kind-codes-included-uspto-patent "Kind Codes" Included on the USPTO Patent Documents], from the [[United States Patent and Trademark Office]]</ref>

If an issued patent is found to be defective, then the patent owner can surrender the patent and refile the original application to correct the defect. One example is when an inventor was forgotten on the application forms. Another such defect occurs when the issued patent fails to claim the full scope of the disclosed invention, potentially resulting in a rare "broadening reissue". Thus, an inventor can submit the patent application again with broader claims and attempt to get the full coverage to which he is entitled. The inventor is not, however, allowed to add new features to the disclosure.

A reissue application which attempts to get broader coverage than the originally issued patent must be filed within two years from the grant date of the said originally issued patent.<ref>[http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/documents/1400_1401.htm#sect1401 35 U.S.C. 251 Reissue of defective patents.]</ref>


==Controversy around attempted changes by USPTO to continuation practice==
==Controversy around attempted changes by USPTO to continuation practice==
In 2007, USPTO announced new regulations under 37 CFR (published August 21, 2007) that would significantly alter procedures regarding continuation application before the [[United States Patent and Trademark Office|USPTO]]. Previously, USPTO rules allowed an inventor to file as many continuations as necessary to get desired breadth of claims. The procedure was criticized for creating uncertainty as to what is covered or could be covered by a given patent application. An inventor, for example, could have sought to get claims with limited scope approved early, and then continue to file continuations over many years seeking broader coverage. For example, inventor [[Jerome H. Lemelson]] filed a series of continuations over thirty years to get a very broad patent on [[bar code]] readers. This patent was issued in 1984, long after bar code readers had become an integral part of the U.S. economy. Jerome Lemelson was then able to collect over a billion dollars in license fees from large companies using bar code readers. (Note however that the Lemelson optical recognition patents followed the old 17-year rule. For patents filed 8-June-1995 or later under the [[TRIPS agreement]], continuation patents expire 20·years from the date of filing of the parent patent application. Thus, Lemelson's "submarine patents" strategy is no longer possible.)
In 2007, USPTO announced new regulations under 37 CFR (published August 21, 2007) that would significantly alter procedures regarding continuation applications before the [[United States Patent and Trademark Office|USPTO]]. Previously, USPTO rules allowed an inventor to file as many continuations as necessary to get desired breadth of claims. The procedure was criticized for creating uncertainty as to what is covered or could be covered by a given patent application. An inventor, for example, could have sought to get claims with limited scope approved early, and then continue to file continuations over many years seeking broader coverage. For example, inventor [[Jerome H. Lemelson]] filed a series of continuations over thirty years to get a very broad patent on [[bar code]] readers. This patent was issued in 1984, long after bar code readers had become an integral part of the U.S. economy. Lemelson was then able to collect over a billion dollars in license fees from large companies using bar code readers. (Note however that the Lemelson optical recognition patents followed a since-replaced rule under which patents would expire 17 years after the patent was granted, regardless of when the patent application was filed. For patents filed on or after June 8, 1995, under the [[TRIPS agreement]], continuation patents expire 20 years from the date of filing of the parent patent application, regardless of when the patent is granted. Thus, Lemelson's "submarine patents" strategy of taking steps that would delay the patent grant date will no longer extend the patent expiration date.)


To minimize this alleged abuse of the patent system, the USPTO proposed several changes to the rules as to the number of continuations an applicant can file. The proposed changes were announced on January 3, 2006, and were published in final form on August 21, 2007, after various modifications were made pursuant to input received as public [[Notice of proposed rulemaking|notice and comment]] (during which the public was invited to comment on the proposed rule changes<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/continuation_comments.html ''Comments on Proposed Changes to Practice for Continuing Applications, Requests for Continued Examination Practice, and Applications Containing Patentably Indistinct Claims, Notice of proposed rulemaking'']</ref>). Many of the provisions in the new rules went into effect November 1, 2007; however, certain additional exemptions apply for continuation applications filed before the publication date of August 21, 2007, even after November 1, 2007.
To minimize this alleged abuse of the patent system, the USPTO proposed several changes to the rules as to the number of continuations an applicant can file. The proposed changes were announced on January 3, 2006, and were published in final form on August 21, 2007, after various modifications were made pursuant to input received as public [[Notice of proposed rulemaking|notice and comment]] (during which the public was invited to comment on the proposed rule changes<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/continuation_comments.html ''Comments on Proposed Changes to Practice for Continuing Applications, Requests for Continued Examination Practice, and Applications Containing Patentably Indistinct Claims, Notice of proposed rulemaking''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205193854/http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/continuation_comments.html |date=2006-12-05 }}</ref>). Many of the provisions in the new rules went into effect November 1, 2007; however, certain additional exemptions apply for continuation applications filed before the publication date of August 21, 2007, even after November 1, 2007.


The proposed rules would have limited an inventor to filing two continuation applications for each type of invention disclosed in an original patent application, unless the applicant can show "good cause" for filing additional continuations. Furthermore, applicants could file only one RCE for each "family" of applications (that is, the group of applications including original applications and each of the continuation applications claiming the benefit of priority of the original application) unless the USPTO granted the applicant permission upon showing "good cause."<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/presentation/clmcontfinalrule.html ''Claims and Continuations Practice - Final Rule'' (www.uspto.gov)]</ref>
The proposed rules would have limited an inventor to filing two continuation applications for each type of invention disclosed in an original patent application, unless the applicant can show "good cause" for filing additional continuations. Furthermore, applicants could file only one RCE for each "family" of applications (that is, the group of applications including original applications and each of the continuation applications claiming the benefit of priority of the original application) unless the USPTO granted the applicant permission upon showing "good cause".<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/presentation/clmcontfinalrule.html ''Claims and Continuations Practice - Final Rule'' (www.uspto.gov)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070826232605/http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/presentation/clmcontfinalrule.html |date=2007-08-26 }}</ref>


The proposed changes were generally opposed by [[patent attorney|patent agents and attorney]]s,<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/aipla.pdf ''American Intellectual Property Law Association comments on proposed rule changes for Continuation practice'']</ref> manufacturing companies,<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/honda.pdf ''[[Honda R&D Americas]] comments on proposed rule changes to Continuation practice'']</ref> biotechnology companies,<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/bio.pdf ''Biotechnology Industry Association comments on proposed rule changes for Continuation practice'']</ref> and independent inventors.<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/ia_con.pdf ''Inventors Alliance comments on proposed rule changes to Continuation practice'']</ref> There was concern that the rule changes failed to consider the difficulties commonly encountered in getting a patent, and that the changes would result in inventors failing to get the full range of patent protection to which they are entitled. The groups also maintained that the rule changes were not consistent with the current regulations on continuations.
The proposed changes were generally opposed by [[patent attorney|patent agents and attorney]]s,<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/aipla.pdf ''American Intellectual Property Law Association comments on proposed rule changes for Continuation practice''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103004723/http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/aipla.pdf |date=2007-01-03 }}</ref> manufacturing companies,<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/honda.pdf ''Honda R&D Americas comments on proposed rule changes to Continuation practice''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101140734/http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/honda.pdf |date=2007-01-01 }}</ref> biotechnology companies,<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/bio.pdf ''Biotechnology Industry Association comments on proposed rule changes for Continuation practice''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926210257/http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/bio.pdf |date=2006-09-26 }}</ref> and independent inventors.<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/ia_con.pdf ''Inventors Alliance comments on proposed rule changes to Continuation practice''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101162552/http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/ia_con.pdf |date=2007-01-01 }}</ref> There was concern that the rule changes failed to consider the difficulties commonly encountered in getting a patent, and that the changes would result in inventors failing to get the full range of patent protection to which they are entitled. The groups also maintained that the rule changes were not consistent with the current regulations on continuations.


The rule changes were generally favored by software companies,<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/bsa.pdf ''Business Software Alliance comments on proposed rule changes for Continuation practice'']</ref> electronics companies<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/intel.pdf ''Intel comments on proposed rule changes to Continuation practice'']</ref> and US government agencies<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/usdoj_ad.pdf ''The Antitrust division of the US Department of Justice comments on proposed rule changes for Continuation practice'']</ref> for the reasons given above. Those that favored the rule changes felt that said changes were consistent with the laws governing continuation practice.
The rule changes were generally favored by software companies,<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/bsa.pdf ''Business Software Alliance comments on proposed rule changes for Continuation practice''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231132823/http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/bsa.pdf |date=2006-12-31 }}</ref> electronics companies<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/intel.pdf ''Intel comments on proposed rule changes to Continuation practice''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231132950/http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/intel.pdf |date=2006-12-31 }}</ref> and US government agencies<ref>USPTO web site, [http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/usdoj_ad.pdf ''The Antitrust division of the US Department of Justice comments on proposed rule changes for Continuation practice''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101162955/http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/comments/fpp_continuation/usdoj_ad.pdf |date=2007-01-01 }}</ref> for the reasons given above. Those that favored the rule changes felt that said changes were consistent with the laws governing continuation practice.


On August 22, 2007, inventor Dr. Triantafyllos Tafas sued the USPTO in the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia on the ground that the rule changes were in violation of the U.S. patent law and therefore are invalid.<ref>[http://www.patentlyo.com/patent/2007/08/dr-tafas-files-.html#comments ''Dr. Tafas Files Declaratory Judgment Action to Block Implementation of Continuation Rules''], Patently-O Blog, August 22, 2007 {{Unreliable source?|date=October 2007}}</ref> On October 9, 2007, pharmaceutical company [[GlaxoSmithKline]] filed a similar suit seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the enforcement of the new rules.<ref>[http://www.filewrapper.com/index.cfm/2007/10/11/Another-lawsuit-filed-to-stop-implementation-of-new-USPTO-rules-this-time-by-a-heavy-hitter ''Another lawsuit filed to stop implementation of new USPTO rules, this time by a heavy hitter''], Filewrapper Blog, October 11, 2007 {{Unreliable source?|date=October 2007}}</ref> The court consolidated the two cases and scheduled a hearing on GlaxoSmithKline's motion for October 31, one day before the rules were to go into effect.<ref>[http://www.filewrapper.com/index.cfm/2007/10/18/Glaxos-preliminary-injunciton-motion-to-be-heard-October-31-consolidated-with-earlier-challenge ''Glaxo's preliminary injunction motion to be heard October 31, consolidated with earlier challenge''], Filewrapper Blog, October 19, 2007 {{Unreliable source?|date=October 2007}}</ref> On October 31, the court granted a preliminary injunction which prohibits the USPTO from enforcing the patent rules on continuations and claims which were to come into effect the following day.<ref>[http://www.ipo.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=IPO_Daily_News_&template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=16610 ''Preliminary Injunction Granted to Block New Rules on Continuations and Claims from Taking Effect Tomorrow''], Intellectual Property Owners Association, October 31, 2007</ref> On April 1, 2008, the injunction was made permanent,<ref>Jim Singer, [http://ipspotlight.com/2008/04/01/court-issues-permanent-injunction-against-uspto-patent-rule-changes/ ''Court Issues Permanent Injunction Against USPTO Patent Rule Changes''], IP Spotlight blog, April 1, 2008.</ref> but in March 2009, it was overturned by [[Federal Circuit Court of Appeals]].<ref>[http://ipspotlight.com/2009/03/22/federal-circuit-largely-backs-uspto-limits-on-patent-claims-and-rces-strikes-down-limits-on-continuations/ Federal Circuit largely backs USPTO limits on patent claims and RCEs; strikes down limits on continuations]</ref>
On August 22, 2007, inventor Dr. Triantafyllos Tafas sued the USPTO in the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia on the ground that the rule changes were in violation of the U.S. patent law and therefore are invalid.<ref>[http://www.patentlyo.com/patent/2007/08/dr-tafas-files-.html#comments ''Dr. Tafas Files Declaratory Judgment Action to Block Implementation of Continuation Rules''], Patently-O Blog, August 22, 2007</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=October 2007}} On October 9, 2007, pharmaceutical company [[GlaxoSmithKline]] filed a similar suit seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the enforcement of the new rules.<ref>[http://www.filewrapper.com/index.cfm/2007/10/11/Another-lawsuit-filed-to-stop-implementation-of-new-USPTO-rules-this-time-by-a-heavy-hitter ''Another lawsuit filed to stop implementation of new USPTO rules, this time by a heavy hitter''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014061633/http://filewrapper.com/index.cfm/2007/10/11/Another-lawsuit-filed-to-stop-implementation-of-new-USPTO-rules-this-time-by-a-heavy-hitter |date=2007-10-14 }}, Filewrapper Blog, October 11, 2007</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=October 2007}} The court consolidated the two cases and scheduled a hearing on GlaxoSmithKline's motion for October 31, one day before the rules were to go into effect.<ref>[http://www.filewrapper.com/index.cfm/2007/10/18/Glaxos-preliminary-injunciton-motion-to-be-heard-October-31-consolidated-with-earlier-challenge ''Glaxo's preliminary injunction motion to be heard October 31, consolidated with earlier challenge''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117043024/http://www.filewrapper.com/index.cfm/2007/10/18/Glaxos-preliminary-injunciton-motion-to-be-heard-October-31-consolidated-with-earlier-challenge |date=2007-11-17 }}, Filewrapper Blog, October 19, 2007</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=October 2007}} On October 31, the court granted a preliminary injunction which prohibits the USPTO from enforcing the patent rules on continuations and claims which were to come into effect the following day.<ref>[http://www.ipo.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=IPO_Daily_News_&template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=16610 ''Preliminary Injunction Granted to Block New Rules on Continuations and Claims from Taking Effect Tomorrow''], Intellectual Property Owners Association, October 31, 2007</ref> On April 1, 2008, the injunction was made permanent,<ref>Jim Singer, [http://ipspotlight.com/2008/04/01/court-issues-permanent-injunction-against-uspto-patent-rule-changes/ ''Court Issues Permanent Injunction Against USPTO Patent Rule Changes''], IP Spotlight blog, April 1, 2008.</ref> but in March 2009, it was overturned by [[United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ipspotlight.com/2009/03/22/federal-circuit-largely-backs-uspto-limits-on-patent-claims-and-rces-strikes-down-limits-on-continuations/|title=Federal Circuit largely backs USPTO limits on patent claims and RCEs; strikes down limits on continuations|date=March 22, 2009}}</ref>


In October 2009, USPTO withdrew proposed changes to continuation rules.<ref>[http://www.genomeweb.com/uspto-rescinds-controversial-patent-rule-changes-proposed-prior-administration USPTO Rescinds Controversial Patent Rule Changes Proposed by Prior Administration]</ref>
In October 2009, USPTO withdrew proposed changes{{clarify|date=September 2021|reason=Were all proposed changes withdrawn or just some of them? If only some of them, which ones? What rules were in effect between March 2009 when the Court of Appeals issued its ruling and October 2009 when proposed changes were withdrawn?}} to the continuation rules.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.genomeweb.com/archive/uspto-rescinds-controversial-patent-rule-changes-proposed-prior-administration|title=USPTO Rescinds Controversial Patent Rule Changes Proposed by Prior Administration|date=October 9, 2009|website=GenomeWeb}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==

* [[Double patenting]]
* [[Double patenting]]
* [[Priority right]]
* [[Priority right]]
Line 67: Line 61:


== External links ==
== External links ==
*[http://www.uspto.gov/main/patents.htm U.S. Patent Office]
*[http://www.uspto.gov/main/patents.htm U.S. Patent Office] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050114054044/http://www.uspto.gov/main/patents.htm |date=2005-01-14 }}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Continuing Patent Application}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Continuing Patent Application}}

Latest revision as of 08:34, 1 May 2024

Under United States patent law, a continuing patent application is a patent application that follows, and claims priority to, an earlier-filed patent application. A continuing patent application may be one of three types: a continuation, divisional, or continuation-in-part. Although continuation and continuation-in-part applications are generally available in the U.S. only, divisional patent applications are also available in other countries, as such availability is required under Article 4G of the Paris Convention.

Early history

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From 1838 to 1861, inventors could file patent applications on improvements to their inventions. These were published as "additional improvement patents" and were given numbers preceded by "A.I.". About 300 of these patents were issued.[1]

Current law

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Under the law in the U.S., inventors may file several different types of patent applications to cover new improvements to their inventions or to cover different aspects of their inventions. These types of patent applications include "continuation", "divisional", "continuation in part", and "reissue".

Continuation

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A "continuation application" is a patent application filed by an applicant who wants to pursue additional claims to an invention disclosed in an earlier application of the applicant (the "parent" application) that has not yet been issued or abandoned. The continuation uses the same specification as the pending parent application, claims the priority based on the filing date of the parent, and must name at least one of the inventors named in the parent application. This type of application is useful when a patent examiner allowed some, but rejected other claims in an application, or where an applicant may not have exhausted all useful ways of claiming different embodiments of the invention.[2]

During the prosecution of a continuation application, the applicant may not add additional disclosure to the specification. If the inventor needs to supplement the disclosure of the earlier parent application, he has to file a continuation-in-part application.[3]

Request for continued examination (RCE)

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In the typical case, a patent examiner will examine patent claims and amendments in an original patent application for two rounds of "office actions" before ending examination. However, often two office actions are not enough to resolve all of the issues in the patent prosecution.

A request for continued examination (RCE) is a request by an applicant for continued prosecution after the patent office has issued a "final" rejection or after prosecution "on the merits" has been closed (for example by a Notice of Allowance or by a Final Rejection). An RCE is not considered a continuing patent application - rather, prosecution of the pending application is reopened.[4] The inventor pays an additional filing fee and continues to argue his case with the patent examiner. No RCE was allowed prior to June 8, 1995.[5]

QPIDS program

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Because of a large number of last-minute Requests for Continuing Examination (RCEs) due to new prior art being found, and the additional burden these RCEs impose on examination, the USPTO launched in May 2012 the Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement (QPIDS) Pilot Program.[6] The program can be used to submit an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) during the time interval after payment of the issue fee but prior to patent grant. Only if the examiner feels that the references on the IDS are material, a Request for Continuous Examination is executed and examination is reopened. Prior to QPIDS program, launching a full-scale RCE was the only option to introduce new prior art during that time interval. Filing a QPIDS request requires a payment of full RCE and IDS fees, which are refunded, if no RCE is opened. However, QPIDS petition fee is not returned.[7]

Ca. 2018 the QPIDS program became permanent,[8] even though USPTO's own study in 2014 showed very low applicants' participation rate.[9]

Divisional

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See also: Divisional patent application

A divisional application also claims priority based on the filing date of the parent application, but differs from a continuation application in that a divisional application claims a distinct or independent invention "carved out" of the parent application. A divisional application must share at least one of the inventors named in the parent application. A divisional application is often filed after the examiner issued a "restriction requirement", because a patent can only claim a single invention (cf. unity of invention). The USPTO practice of splitting patent applications into numerous divisionals has been criticized as an abuse intended to increase the USPTO revenues at the expense of patent holders.[10]

Continuation-in-part (CIP)

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A "continuation-in-part" application ("CIP" or "CIP application") is one in which the applicant adds subject matter not disclosed in the parent patent application, but repeats a substantial portion of the parent's specification, and shares at least one inventor with the parent application. The CIP application is a convenient way to claim enhancements developed after the parent application was filed. It is the successor to the earlier "additional improvement" patents mentioned above. For a continuation-in-part application, claims to subject matter that was also disclosed in the parent are entitled to the parent's priority date, while claims to the additional subject matter are only entitled to the filing date of the CIP application.[3]

A patent of addition is available in Israel, which is generally similar to a CIP in the U.S.[citation needed]

Reissue

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If an issued patent is found to be defective, the patent owner can surrender the patent and file a reissue application to correct the defect. One such defect occurs when the issued patent claims either more or less than the coverage to which the patentee is entitled, the latter situation resulting in a "broadening reissue". Thus, an inventor can submit a reissue application with broader claims and attempt to get the full coverage to which he or she is entitled. The inventor is not, however, allowed to add new features to the disclosure. A broadening reissue application must be filed within two years from the grant date of the originally issued patent.[11] A reissue patent has the kind code E.[12]

Controversy around attempted changes by USPTO to continuation practice

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In 2007, USPTO announced new regulations under 37 CFR (published August 21, 2007) that would significantly alter procedures regarding continuation applications before the USPTO. Previously, USPTO rules allowed an inventor to file as many continuations as necessary to get desired breadth of claims. The procedure was criticized for creating uncertainty as to what is covered or could be covered by a given patent application. An inventor, for example, could have sought to get claims with limited scope approved early, and then continue to file continuations over many years seeking broader coverage. For example, inventor Jerome H. Lemelson filed a series of continuations over thirty years to get a very broad patent on bar code readers. This patent was issued in 1984, long after bar code readers had become an integral part of the U.S. economy. Lemelson was then able to collect over a billion dollars in license fees from large companies using bar code readers. (Note however that the Lemelson optical recognition patents followed a since-replaced rule under which patents would expire 17 years after the patent was granted, regardless of when the patent application was filed. For patents filed on or after June 8, 1995, under the TRIPS agreement, continuation patents expire 20 years from the date of filing of the parent patent application, regardless of when the patent is granted. Thus, Lemelson's "submarine patents" strategy of taking steps that would delay the patent grant date will no longer extend the patent expiration date.)

To minimize this alleged abuse of the patent system, the USPTO proposed several changes to the rules as to the number of continuations an applicant can file. The proposed changes were announced on January 3, 2006, and were published in final form on August 21, 2007, after various modifications were made pursuant to input received as public notice and comment (during which the public was invited to comment on the proposed rule changes[13]). Many of the provisions in the new rules went into effect November 1, 2007; however, certain additional exemptions apply for continuation applications filed before the publication date of August 21, 2007, even after November 1, 2007.

The proposed rules would have limited an inventor to filing two continuation applications for each type of invention disclosed in an original patent application, unless the applicant can show "good cause" for filing additional continuations. Furthermore, applicants could file only one RCE for each "family" of applications (that is, the group of applications including original applications and each of the continuation applications claiming the benefit of priority of the original application) unless the USPTO granted the applicant permission upon showing "good cause".[14]

The proposed changes were generally opposed by patent agents and attorneys,[15] manufacturing companies,[16] biotechnology companies,[17] and independent inventors.[18] There was concern that the rule changes failed to consider the difficulties commonly encountered in getting a patent, and that the changes would result in inventors failing to get the full range of patent protection to which they are entitled. The groups also maintained that the rule changes were not consistent with the current regulations on continuations.

The rule changes were generally favored by software companies,[19] electronics companies[20] and US government agencies[21] for the reasons given above. Those that favored the rule changes felt that said changes were consistent with the laws governing continuation practice.

On August 22, 2007, inventor Dr. Triantafyllos Tafas sued the USPTO in the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia on the ground that the rule changes were in violation of the U.S. patent law and therefore are invalid.[22][unreliable source?] On October 9, 2007, pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline filed a similar suit seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the enforcement of the new rules.[23][unreliable source?] The court consolidated the two cases and scheduled a hearing on GlaxoSmithKline's motion for October 31, one day before the rules were to go into effect.[24][unreliable source?] On October 31, the court granted a preliminary injunction which prohibits the USPTO from enforcing the patent rules on continuations and claims which were to come into effect the following day.[25] On April 1, 2008, the injunction was made permanent,[26] but in March 2009, it was overturned by United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.[27]

In October 2009, USPTO withdrew proposed changes[clarification needed] to the continuation rules.[28]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "MPEP". www.uspto.gov.
  2. ^ "Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) § 201.07 Continuation Application [R-07.2015]". Retrieved 2017-02-23.
  3. ^ a b "Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) § 201.08 Continuation-in-Part Application [R-07.2015]". Retrieved 2017-02-23.
  4. ^ "Request for Continued Examination (RCE) Questions and Answers". USPTO. Retrieved 5 February 2015. .... to provide, at the request of the applicant, for continued examination of an application for a fee (request for continued examination or RCE practice), without requiring the applicant to file a continuing application ...
  5. ^ 37 CFR 1.114.
  6. ^ "Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement".
  7. ^ Frequently Asked Questions. QPIDS Program uspto.gov
  8. ^ "Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement".
  9. ^ USPTO, RAPID RISE IN THE REQUEST FOR CONTINUED EXAMINATION BACKLOG REVEALS CHALLENGES IN TIMELY ISSUANCE OF PATENTS. FINAL REPORT NO. OIG-14-024-A at 17–18 (June 30, 2014) (showing participation rate for QPIDS at 2,480 between May 2012-November 2013 and a participation rate of 16,598 for the AFCP 2.0 program between May 2013-November 2013)
  10. ^ "Divisional Patent Application". Retrieved 8 July 2023.
  11. ^ "MPEP". www.uspto.gov.
  12. ^ "Kind Codes" Included on the USPTO Patent Documents, from the United States Patent and Trademark Office
  13. ^ USPTO web site, Comments on Proposed Changes to Practice for Continuing Applications, Requests for Continued Examination Practice, and Applications Containing Patentably Indistinct Claims, Notice of proposed rulemaking Archived 2006-12-05 at the Wayback Machine
  14. ^ USPTO web site, Claims and Continuations Practice - Final Rule (www.uspto.gov) Archived 2007-08-26 at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ USPTO web site, American Intellectual Property Law Association comments on proposed rule changes for Continuation practice Archived 2007-01-03 at the Wayback Machine
  16. ^ USPTO web site, Honda R&D Americas comments on proposed rule changes to Continuation practice Archived 2007-01-01 at the Wayback Machine
  17. ^ USPTO web site, Biotechnology Industry Association comments on proposed rule changes for Continuation practice Archived 2006-09-26 at the Wayback Machine
  18. ^ USPTO web site, Inventors Alliance comments on proposed rule changes to Continuation practice Archived 2007-01-01 at the Wayback Machine
  19. ^ USPTO web site, Business Software Alliance comments on proposed rule changes for Continuation practice Archived 2006-12-31 at the Wayback Machine
  20. ^ USPTO web site, Intel comments on proposed rule changes to Continuation practice Archived 2006-12-31 at the Wayback Machine
  21. ^ USPTO web site, The Antitrust division of the US Department of Justice comments on proposed rule changes for Continuation practice Archived 2007-01-01 at the Wayback Machine
  22. ^ Dr. Tafas Files Declaratory Judgment Action to Block Implementation of Continuation Rules, Patently-O Blog, August 22, 2007
  23. ^ Another lawsuit filed to stop implementation of new USPTO rules, this time by a heavy hitter Archived 2007-10-14 at the Wayback Machine, Filewrapper Blog, October 11, 2007
  24. ^ Glaxo's preliminary injunction motion to be heard October 31, consolidated with earlier challenge Archived 2007-11-17 at the Wayback Machine, Filewrapper Blog, October 19, 2007
  25. ^ Preliminary Injunction Granted to Block New Rules on Continuations and Claims from Taking Effect Tomorrow, Intellectual Property Owners Association, October 31, 2007
  26. ^ Jim Singer, Court Issues Permanent Injunction Against USPTO Patent Rule Changes, IP Spotlight blog, April 1, 2008.
  27. ^ "Federal Circuit largely backs USPTO limits on patent claims and RCEs; strikes down limits on continuations". March 22, 2009.
  28. ^ "USPTO Rescinds Controversial Patent Rule Changes Proposed by Prior Administration". GenomeWeb. October 9, 2009.
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