What is a replacement deposit in patent law?

A replacement deposit in patent law refers to a new deposit of biological material made to replace an original deposit. This is often done during the pendency of a patent application. According to MPEP 2407.04, “An applicant for patent may make a replacement deposit during the pendency of the application for any reason.”

The purpose of a replacement deposit is to ensure that the biological material referenced in a patent application remains accessible and viable for future examination or use.

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Topics: MPEP 2400 - Biotechnology, MPEP 2407.04 - Treatment Of Replacement, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: biological material, Replacement Deposit, USPTO