How did the America Invents Act change assignee prosecution rights?
The America Invents Act (AIA) introduced changes to assignee prosecution rights for patent applications filed on or after September 16, 2012. According to MPEP 106.01:
[F]or applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, [the assignee of record of the entire interest] can prosecute the application after becoming the applicant under 37 CFR 1.46.
This change allows the assignee of the entire interest to become the applicant and prosecute the application directly. For more detailed information:
- For applications filed before September 16, 2012, refer to MPEP § 324
- For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, refer to MPEP § 325
To learn more:
Topics:
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure