Why might an applicant want to obtain an extension for a parent application?

An applicant might want to obtain an extension for a parent application to keep the parent application co-pending, which allows for several strategic advantages. Maintaining co-pendency means that the parent application and any related applications can be examined simultaneously or in close succession, enabling the applicant to make necessary amendments or claims based on developments in related applications or ongoing examination processes. This can be critical for establishing priority or ensuring cohesive patent protection across multiple innovations that may be built upon one another.

Keeping the parent application co-pending also provides the opportunity for the applicant to adjust strategies in response to feedback from the patent office, such as rejections or considerations of prior art. It allows the applicant to influence the fate of the related applications more effectively and ensures that any additional claims or inventions arising during the examination can be considered without the need for starting from scratch.

By maintaining co-pendency, the applicant can maximize their patent strategy's potential and adapt to the evolving landscape of their patent portfolio.