What changes did the Patent Law Treaties Implementation Act (PLTIA) introduce?

The Patent Law Treaties Implementation Act (PLTIA) of 2012 introduced several important changes to US patent law, particularly regarding priority claims and international applications. Key changes include:

• Restoration of the right of priority to a foreign application or the benefit of a provisional application in certain cases
• Ability to file international design applications
• Ability to claim priority to, and benefit of, international design applications in nonprovisional applications

The MPEP states: “Notable changes to the law and rules included the restoration of the right of priority to a foreign application or the benefit of a provisional application in a subsequent application filed within two months of the expiration of the twelve-month period (six-month period for design applications) for filing such a subsequent application. In addition, title I of the PLTIA became effective May 13, 2015, along with corresponding revisions to the rules. Notable changes included the ability to file international design applications and to claim priority to, and the benefit of, international design applications in nonprovisional applications.”