How do PCT definitions in MPEP 1802 relate to U.S. patent law?
The PCT definitions referenced in MPEP 1802 are closely related to U.S. patent law, as they provide a framework for understanding international patent applications within the context of the U.S. patent system. This relationship is evident in the sources of definitions mentioned in MPEP 1802:
“Additional definitions are in 35 U.S.C. 351, found in MPEP Appendix L, in 37 CFR 1.9 and 1.401, found in MPEP Appendix R, and in PCT Administrative Instructions Section 101, found in MPEP Appendix AI.”
This statement highlights that PCT definitions are incorporated into U.S. law through:
- Title 35 of the United States Code (35 U.S.C. 351)
- Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations (37 CFR 1.9 and 1.401)
These U.S.-specific sources ensure that PCT definitions are compatible with and integrated into the U.S. patent system, facilitating the processing of international patent applications in the United States and harmonizing U.S. patent practice with international standards.
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