Can a petition under 37 CFR 1.47(a) be filed for multiple unavailable inventors?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. Yes, a petition under 37 CFR 1.47(a) can be filed for multiple unavailable inventors. The MPEP 409.03(b) states: ‘Where there are joint inventors, each nonsigning inventor must be petitioned for separately, even if more than one nonsigning inventor is unavailable.’ This means that while a single petition can cover multiple unavailable inventors, the petition must address each inventor individually, providing specific information and evidence for each one’s unavailability. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Application Can Be Filed When Inventor Is Unavailable MPEP 409.03(b) Permitted Requirement for Unavailable Inventors After September 16, 2012 MPEP 409 Pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(a) Precludes 1.47(b) MPEP 409.03(b) Prohibited Applicant Must State Relationship to Inventor MPEP 409.03(b) Required Requirement for Deceased Inventor Applications Before September 16, 2012 MPEP 409 Last Known Address of Inventor Required MPEP 409.03(b) Required Requirement for Handling Patent Applications with Unavailable Inventors Before Sept 16, 2012 MPEP 409 Requirement for Posthumous Patent Applications MPEP 409 Oath Required for Pre-AIA Application MPEP 409.03(b) Required Oath/Declaration for Assignee Must Be Signed MPEP 409.03(b) Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What happens if an inventor becomes available after a 37 CFR 1.47(a) petition is granted? What happens if the last-known address of an unavailable inventor is invalid? How does the USPTO handle confidentiality in 37 CFR 1.47(a) petitions? What is the process for filing a patent application if an inventor is legally incapacitated? Can a patent application be filed if the sole inventor is deceased?