What is a protest under 37 CFR 1.291?
A protest under 37 CFR 1.291 is a mechanism that allows members of the public to bring information to the attention of the USPTO regarding pending patent applications. The MPEP states:
37 CFR 1.291 gives recognition to the value of written protests in bringing information to the attention of the Office and in avoiding the issuance of invalid patents.
Protests can include information about prior art, facts adverse to patentability, or other relevant information that might affect the grant of a patent.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 1900 - Protest,
MPEP 1901 - Protest Under 37 Cfr 1.291,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure