What is the significance of the two-month time period in patent disclosures?

What is the significance of the two-month time period in patent disclosures?

The two-month time period is significant in patent disclosures for the following reasons:

• Timely disclosure: It encourages prompt submission of information to the USPTO.
• Avoiding late fees: Submitting within two months can help avoid additional fees for late information disclosure statements.
• Demonstrating diligence: It shows the applicant’s commitment to fulfilling the duty of disclosure.

The MPEP states: “Applicants may wish to consider submitting information about prior art cited in search reports of a foreign patent office in a counterpart application. The citation should be submitted within two months of the date the foreign search report is issued.” (MPEP 2004)

While not a strict deadline, adhering to this two-month guideline can help streamline the patent examination process and demonstrate good faith in complying with disclosure requirements.

To learn more:

• two-month period
• information disclosure
• foreign search reports
• patent examination