What are the two methods to revive an abandoned patent application?

The correct response identifies the specific terminology used in patent law regarding the revival of abandoned applications. The two legitimate methods to revive an abandoned patent application, as outlined in the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP), are unintentional revival and unavoidable revival.

Unintentional revival refers to situations where the applicant did not intend for the application to be abandoned, often due to oversight or unavoidable circumstances. This method allows applicants to claim that an abandonment was not purposeful and therefore can seek to have the application reinstated.

On the other hand, unavoidable revival applies in instances where the abandonment resulted from events that the applicant could not have controlled, such as natural disasters or other unforeseen issues that hindered timely responses to office actions.

Both terms reflect established procedures that align with the legal framework governing patent applications, ensuring that applicants can maintain their rights under specific conditions.

Alternative terms like 'intentional' or 'voluntary' do not fit the established legal definitions. The revival process focuses on the circumstances surrounding the abandonment rather than the applicant's intention or agency in the matter. This distinction is crucial for understanding how to navigate potential pitfalls in maintaining patent application status.