What is a continuation patent?

A continuation patent is a type of patent in North Carolina that allows an inventor to make changes or additions to an existing patent application. The inventor can then submit the amended application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for further examination. A continuation patent is issued when the USPTO approves the new application and amends the original patent. A continuation patent helps an inventor to protect their intellectual property with an additional layer of security. This type of patent allows an inventor to make changes that are commonly needed during the development of a product or idea. This can include making improvements on previous inventions or adding new features and specifications. Continuation patents also allow inventors to avoid falling out of the patent process. This is because they can file an additional application to the USPTO, instead of needing to start over with a new patent application. Continuation patents are beneficial to inventors in that they make the process of obtaining a patent more efficient and cost-effective. The USPTO provides guidance on the process of filing a continuation patent and what is necessary in the application. Prospective inventors should research the process thoroughly before they begin the patent process.

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