How are Statutory Invention Registrations (SIRs) treated under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(e)?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

Statutory Invention Registrations (SIRs) are treated similarly to U.S. patents under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(e). The MPEP explains:

“In accordance with former 35 U.S.C. 157(c), a published SIR will be treated the same as a U.S. patent for all defensive purposes, usable as a reference as of its filing date in the same manner as a U.S. patent. A SIR is prior art under all applicable sections of 35 U.S.C. 102 including pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(e).”

This means that a published SIR can be used as prior art under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(e) in the same way as a U.S. patent, with its filing date serving as the effective prior art date.

Topics: MPEP 2100 - Patentability MPEP 2136 - Pre - Aia 35 U.S.C. 102(E) Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Aia Practice