An application for patent filed under 35 USC 111(a) includes all types of patent applications (i.e., utility, design, plant, and reissue) except provisional applications. The filing of a non-provisional application establishes the patent’s (if granted) filing date and initiates the examination process. A non-provisional utility patent application must contain a specification, including a claim or claims, drawings when necessary, an oath or declaration, and the prescribed filing fee.
