What is the grace period disclosure under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(B)?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29

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.

The grace period disclosure under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(B) provides that a disclosure shall not be considered prior art to a claimed invention under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) if the subject matter disclosed had, before such disclosure, been publicly disclosed by the inventor or a joint inventor.

As stated in the MPEP: AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(B) provides that a grace period disclosure shall not be prior art to a claimed invention under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) if subject matter disclosed had, before such disclosure, been publicly disclosed by the inventor or a joint inventor.

This provision allows inventors to disclose their invention before filing a patent application without that disclosure being used as prior art against their own application, provided they file within the grace period.

Topics: MPEP 2100 - Patentability MPEP 2155.02 - Showing That The Subject Matter Disclosed Had Been Previously Publicly Disclosed By The Inventor Or A Joint Inventor Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Aia Practice, Anticipation, Inventor Oath Signature, Non Final Content