What is a "continuation application" in patent law?

A continuation application is a type of patent application that allows an applicant to pursue additional claims based on the same original disclosure of an earlier filed application. By claiming priority to a previously filed application, a continuation application retains the same filing date as that original application, potentially benefiting from any novelty and non-obviousness established at the time of that prior filing.

This mechanism enables inventors to refine their claims or explore different aspects of their invention without having to file a completely new application, which would start a new examination process and potentially lose the priority date. The specific focus is on maintaining the priority of what has already been disclosed while seeking broader or more specific protections.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the nature of a continuation application. Altering existing claims or adding new products would typically fall under different processes, such as a reissue application or filing for a new application entirely, neither of which adequately captures the essence of the continuation process. A new patent in a different category would not claim priority and is distinctly different from the continuation concept.