What does Rule 1.53(b) govern?

Rule 1.53(b) governs the filing of new applications as well as all types of continuation applications, which include continuation, continuation-in-part, and divisional applications. This rule is an important aspect of patent law, as it delineates the procedures and requirements for filing these types of applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Specifically, it provides guidelines on the necessary documents, fees, and formalities to successfully submit these applications. This ruling ensures that applicants can properly seek further protection on their inventions based on their earlier filed applications, allowing for continuity in the patent prosecution process.

The other options do not accurately capture the full scope of Rule 1.53(b). Provisional applications are governed by different rules, while divisional applications and design applications have their specific regulations separate from continuation applications, which supports the understanding that Rule 1.53(b) covers a broader category of application types.