What is the Statutory Invention Registration (SIR) Program?
The Statutory Invention Registration (SIR) Program was a system that replaced the former Defensive Publication Program, effective May 8, 1985. It was established under 35 U.S.C. 157 and governed by 37 CFR 1.293 – 1.297.
As stated in MPEP 1513: “The Statutory Invention Registration (SIR) Program applies to utility, plant, and design applications.” This program provided inventors with an alternative to traditional patents, allowing them to establish prior art without going through the full patent examination process.
However, it’s important to note that “Effective March 16, 2013, the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 157 were repealed.” This means the SIR Program is no longer available for new applications.
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