What happens to a patent application once it is filed with the USPTO?

Once a patent application is filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), it enters a review process for patentability. This review process is critical as it involves a thorough examination by a patent examiner to determine whether the application meets the necessary requirements for patentability, which include novelty, non-obviousness, and usefulness.

During this examination, the USPTO evaluates the claims made in the application and compares them against existing prior art (previous publications, products, and patents) to assess whether the invention is truly innovative and deserves patent protection. The review process can involve several stages, including office actions where the examiner may ask for clarifications or propose rejections based on existing patents or publications.

The other options do not accurately reflect the process following the filing of an application. A patent is not immediately granted; rather, there are significant steps that must be followed before a patent can be issued. Submitting an application does not place it into the public domain, as it remains confidential until published, typically 18 months after filing. Additionally, the application is not ignored; rather, the USPTO actively reviews it through a structured process. This ensures a rigorous examination to uphold the integrity of the patent system.