Is MPEP 715.01(d) applicable to AIA (America Invents Act) applications?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10

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.

No, MPEP 715.01(d) is generally not applicable to applications subject to the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA (America Invents Act). The section explicitly states:

“[Editor Note: This MPEP section is not applicable to applications subject to the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA unless being relied upon to overcome a rejection under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(g).”

This means that the procedures outlined in MPEP 715.01(d) for overcoming rejections based on prior use or knowledge are primarily relevant to pre-AIA applications. For AIA applications, different procedures apply, which are covered in other sections of the MPEP.

The note also directs readers to other relevant sections:

Tags: AIA, first inventor to file, patent application, pre-AIA