What are the main ways to overcome a 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) or 102(a)(2) rejection?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30

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.

There are several ways to overcome a 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) or 102(a)(2) rejection, as outlined in MPEP 2152.06:

  • Submitting a benefit claim under 35 U.S.C. 120 or 119(e)
  • Submitting a claim to priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d)
  • Filing an affidavit or declaration under 37 CFR 1.130
  • Establishing common ownership or evidence of a Joint Research Agreement

The MPEP states: “In addition to persuasively arguing that the claims are patentably distinguishable over the prior art or amending the claims to overcome the prior art rejection, a rejection under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) or 102(a)(2) can be overcome by” the methods listed above.

Topics: MPEP 2100 – Patentability MPEP 2152.06 – Overcoming A 35 U.S.C. 102(A)(1) Or 102(A)(2) Rejection Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Aia Practice, Design Prior Art Types, Patented Prior Art, Prior Art 102a1, Section 102