MPEP § 1412.04 — Correction of Inventorship By Reissue (Annotated Rules)

§1412.04 Correction of Inventorship By Reissue

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2025-12-31

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1412.04, including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Correction of Inventorship By Reissue

This section addresses Correction of Inventorship By Reissue. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 251, 35 U.S.C. 256, and 35 U.S.C. 118. Contains: 4 requirements, 1 prohibition, 2 guidance statements, 2 permissions, and 7 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic
6 rules
Topic

Reissue Patent Practice

4 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1412-04-f0ff332b371f0bc971e2445d]
Inventorship Correction by Certificate
Note:
Correct inventorship in a patent by filing a request for a certificate of correction if no other changes are made and all parties agree.
While reissue is a vehicle for correcting inventorship in a patent, correction of inventorship should be effected under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 256 and 37 CFR 1.324 by filing a request for a certificate of correction if:
  • (A) the only change being made in the patent is to correct the inventorship; and
  • (B) all parties are in agreement and the inventorship issue is not contested.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.324Reissue Patent Practice
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1412-04-cc0883ef39837bcb37be2f42]
Requirement for Agreement on Inventorship
Note:
Correction of inventorship must be effected if all parties agree and the issue is not contested.

While reissue is a vehicle for correcting inventorship in a patent, correction of inventorship should be effected under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 256 and 37 CFR 1.324 by filing a request for a certificate of correction if:

(B) all parties are in agreement and the inventorship issue is not contested.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.324Reissue Patent Practice
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1412-04-1734a86d9665c51eaf684f62]
Procedure for Correcting Inventorship
Note:
Follow the procedure in MPEP § 1481.02 to obtain a certificate of correction for inventorship.

See MPEP § 1481.02 for the procedure to be followed to obtain a certificate of correction for correction of inventorship.

Jump to MPEP SourceReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1412-04-dad85eb275dae7965d17b327]
Reissue Application for Correcting Inventorship
Note:
Use a reissue application to correct inventorship where 35 U.S.C. 256 and 37 CFR 1.324 do not apply.

Where the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 256 and 37 CFR 1.324 do not apply, a reissue application is the appropriate vehicle to correct inventorship. The failure to name the correct inventive entity is an error in the patent which is correctable under 35 U.S.C. 251. The reissue oath or declaration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.175 must state that the applicant believes the original patent to be wholly or partly inoperative or invalid through error of a person being incorrectly named in an issued patent as the inventor, or through error of an inventor incorrectly not named in an issued patent, and, for applications filed before September 16, 2012, must also state that such error arose without any deceptive intention on the part of the applicant. The reissue oath or declaration must, as stated in 37 CFR 1.175, also comply with one of 37 CFR 1.63, 1.64, or 1.67 if the reissue application is filed on or after September 16, 2012, or comply with pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 if filed before September 16, 2012.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.324Reissue Patent PracticeInventorship Under AIAAIA Effective Dates
Topic

AIA Effective Dates

4 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1412-04-d1806ba50c74719f911267f6]
Requirement for Correcting Inventorship Error via Reissue
Note:
The reissue oath or declaration must state that the original patent is wholly or partly inoperative or invalid due to an incorrect inventor being named, and must comply with specific requirements depending on the application filing date.

Where the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 256 and 37 CFR 1.324 do not apply, a reissue application is the appropriate vehicle to correct inventorship. The failure to name the correct inventive entity is an error in the patent which is correctable under 35 U.S.C. 251. The reissue oath or declaration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.175 must state that the applicant believes the original patent to be wholly or partly inoperative or invalid through error of a person being incorrectly named in an issued patent as the inventor, or through error of an inventor incorrectly not named in an issued patent, and, for applications filed before September 16, 2012, must also state that such error arose without any deceptive intention on the part of the applicant. The reissue oath or declaration must, as stated in 37 CFR 1.175, also comply with one of 37 CFR 1.63, 1.64, or 1.67 if the reissue application is filed on or after September 16, 2012, or comply with pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 if filed before September 16, 2012.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.324AIA Effective DatesOriginal Patent Requirement (Same Invention)Error Statement Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1412-04-bc1b02488782d18eb6b426c1]
Reissue Oath or Declaration Compliance Requirement
Note:
The reissue oath or declaration must comply with specific requirements based on the filing date, either 37 CFR 1.63, 1.64, or 1.67 for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, and pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 for earlier filings.

Where the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 256 and 37 CFR 1.324 do not apply, a reissue application is the appropriate vehicle to correct inventorship. The failure to name the correct inventive entity is an error in the patent which is correctable under 35 U.S.C. 251. The reissue oath or declaration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.175 must state that the applicant believes the original patent to be wholly or partly inoperative or invalid through error of a person being incorrectly named in an issued patent as the inventor, or through error of an inventor incorrectly not named in an issued patent, and, for applications filed before September 16, 2012, must also state that such error arose without any deceptive intention on the part of the applicant. The reissue oath or declaration must, as stated in 37 CFR 1.175, also comply with one of 37 CFR 1.63, 1.64, or 1.67 if the reissue application is filed on or after September 16, 2012, or comply with pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 if filed before September 16, 2012.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.324AIA Effective DatesAIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)Pre-AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1412-04-9dac5e85e3ba89eab2ee3e06]
Assignee Can Correct Inventorship Without Original Inventor's Consent
Note:
An assignee of the entire interest can file a reissue to correct inventorship, even if the original inventor disagrees.

The correction of inventorship does not enlarge the scope of the patent claims. Where a reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent, the reissue oath may be made and sworn to, or the declaration made, by the assignee of the entire interest under 37 CFR 1.172. An assignee of part interest may not file a reissue application to correct inventorship where the other co-owner did not join in the reissue application and has not consented to the reissue proceeding. See Baker Hughes Inc. v. Kirk, 921 F. Supp. 801, 809, 38 USPQ2d 1885, 1892 (D.D.C. 1995). See 35 U.S.C. 251. On the other hand, an assignee of the entire interest can consent to and sign the reissue oath/declaration that adds or deletes the name of an inventor by reissue (e.g., correct inventorship from inventor A to inventors A and B) without the original inventor’s consent. Thus, the assignee of the entire interest can file a reissue to change the inventorship to one which the assignee believes to be correct, even though an inventor might disagree. The protection of the assignee’s property rights in the application and patent are statutorily based in 35 U.S.C. 118. For additional information pertaining to the right of an assignee to take action, see MPEP § 324 (for applications filed before September 16, 2012) and § 325 (for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012). Where the name of an inventor X is to be deleted in a reissue application to correct inventorship in a patent, and inventor X has not assigned his/her rights to the patent, inventor X has an ownership interest in the patent. Inventor X must consent to the reissue (37 CFR 1.172(a)), even though inventor X’s name is being deleted as an inventor. If X’s name is being deleted as an inventor, X consents to the reissue application, and the remaining inventors sign the reissue oath or declaration, X need not sign. If, however, an assignee signs the reissue oath or declaration, inventor X’s signature must also be included in the reissue oath or declaration as an assignee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.172AIA Effective DatesConsent of AssigneeReissue Oath by Assignee
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1412-04-fc9ec268914e3cef40a826cd]
Assignee Can Sign Without Original Inventor’s Consent
Note:
An assignee of the entire interest can sign a reissue application to correct inventorship without needing the original inventor's signature if that inventor is being deleted from the patent.

The correction of inventorship does not enlarge the scope of the patent claims. Where a reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent, the reissue oath may be made and sworn to, or the declaration made, by the assignee of the entire interest under 37 CFR 1.172. An assignee of part interest may not file a reissue application to correct inventorship where the other co-owner did not join in the reissue application and has not consented to the reissue proceeding. See Baker Hughes Inc. v. Kirk, 921 F. Supp. 801, 809, 38 USPQ2d 1885, 1892 (D.D.C. 1995). See 35 U.S.C. 251. On the other hand, an assignee of the entire interest can consent to and sign the reissue oath/declaration that adds or deletes the name of an inventor by reissue (e.g., correct inventorship from inventor A to inventors A and B) without the original inventor’s consent. Thus, the assignee of the entire interest can file a reissue to change the inventorship to one which the assignee believes to be correct, even though an inventor might disagree. The protection of the assignee’s property rights in the application and patent are statutorily based in 35 U.S.C. 118. For additional information pertaining to the right of an assignee to take action, see MPEP § 324 (for applications filed before September 16, 2012) and § 325 (for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012). Where the name of an inventor X is to be deleted in a reissue application to correct inventorship in a patent, and inventor X has not assigned his/her rights to the patent, inventor X has an ownership interest in the patent. Inventor X must consent to the reissue (37 CFR 1.172(a)), even though inventor X’s name is being deleted as an inventor. If X’s name is being deleted as an inventor, X consents to the reissue application, and the remaining inventors sign the reissue oath or declaration, X need not sign. If, however, an assignee signs the reissue oath or declaration, inventor X’s signature must also be included in the reissue oath or declaration as an assignee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.172AIA Effective DatesConsent of AssigneeReissue Filing Requirements
Topic

PTAB Jurisdiction

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1412-04-0d0c8c2509f1dea56d8e1da8]
Reissue for Correcting Inventorship
Note:
Allows reissue applications to correct misjoinder of inventors where 35 U.S.C. 256 is inadequate.

The correction of misjoinder of inventors has been held to be a ground for reissue. See Ex parte Scudder, 169 USPQ 814, 815 (Bd. App. 1971) wherein the Board held that 35 U.S.C. 251 authorizes reissue applications to correct misjoinder of inventors where 35 U.S.C. 256 is inadequate. See also A.F. Stoddard & Co. v. Dann, 564 F.2d 556, 567 n.16, 195 USPQ 97, 106 n.16 (D.C. Cir. 1977) wherein correction of inventorship from sole inventor A to sole inventor B was permitted in a reissue application. The court noted that reissue by itself is a vehicle for correcting inventorship in a patent.

Jump to MPEP SourcePTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1412-04-07fbc148be7ddc882c2ca676]
Reissue to Correct Misjoinder of Inventors
Note:
Permits reissue applications to correct inventorship where 35 U.S.C. 256 is inadequate.

The correction of misjoinder of inventors has been held to be a ground for reissue. See Ex parte Scudder, 169 USPQ 814, 815 (Bd. App. 1971) wherein the Board held that 35 U.S.C. 251 authorizes reissue applications to correct misjoinder of inventors where 35 U.S.C. 256 is inadequate. See also A.F. Stoddard & Co. v. Dann, 564 F.2d 556, 567 n.16, 195 USPQ 97, 106 n.16 (D.C. Cir. 1977) wherein correction of inventorship from sole inventor A to sole inventor B was permitted in a reissue application. The court noted that reissue by itself is a vehicle for correcting inventorship in a patent.

Jump to MPEP SourcePTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresReissue Application Filing
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1412-04-f0da3ec6546581f5009ae08b]
Reissue to Correct Inventorship
Note:
The court confirmed that reissue can be used to correct inventorship in a patent.

The correction of misjoinder of inventors has been held to be a ground for reissue. See Ex parte Scudder, 169 USPQ 814, 815 (Bd. App. 1971) wherein the Board held that 35 U.S.C. 251 authorizes reissue applications to correct misjoinder of inventors where 35 U.S.C. 256 is inadequate. See also A.F. Stoddard & Co. v. Dann, 564 F.2d 556, 567 n.16, 195 USPQ 97, 106 n.16 (D.C. Cir. 1977) wherein correction of inventorship from sole inventor A to sole inventor B was permitted in a reissue application. The court noted that reissue by itself is a vehicle for correcting inventorship in a patent.

Jump to MPEP SourcePTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresJudicial Review of Board Decisions
Topic

Reissue Oath/Declaration Content

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1412-04-cc0bd54c8f0a6cda48741ffa]
Oath/Declaration Required for Correcting Inventorship
Note:
A reissue application with its oath or declaration under 37 CFR 1.175 is the only method to correct inventorship, not requests under 37 CFR 1.48 or petitions under 37 CFR 1.324.

The reissue application with its reissue oath or declaration under 37 CFR 1.175 provides a complete mechanism to correct inventorship. See A.F. Stoddard & Co. v. Dann, 564 F.2d at 567, 195 USPQ at 106. A request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 cannot be used to correct the inventorship of a reissue application. If a request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 is filed in a reissue application, the request or petition should be dismissed and the processing or petition fee refunded. The material submitted with the request or petition should then be considered to determine if it complies with 37 CFR 1.175. If the material submitted with the request or petition does comply with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.175 (and the reissue application is otherwise in order), the correction of inventorship will be permitted as a correction of an error in the patent under 35 U.S.C. 251.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.175Reissue Oath/Declaration ContentReissue Application FilingReissue Oath or Declaration
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1412-04-5aa65d09689b51c5fcd1e9ba]
Material Submitted Must Comply With 37 CFR 1.175
Note:
If a request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 is filed in a reissue application, the material submitted must comply with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.175 to correct inventorship.

The reissue application with its reissue oath or declaration under 37 CFR 1.175 provides a complete mechanism to correct inventorship. See A.F. Stoddard & Co. v. Dann, 564 F.2d at 567, 195 USPQ at 106. A request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 cannot be used to correct the inventorship of a reissue application. If a request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 is filed in a reissue application, the request or petition should be dismissed and the processing or petition fee refunded. The material submitted with the request or petition should then be considered to determine if it complies with 37 CFR 1.175. If the material submitted with the request or petition does comply with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.175 (and the reissue application is otherwise in order), the correction of inventorship will be permitted as a correction of an error in the patent under 35 U.S.C. 251.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.175Reissue Oath/Declaration ContentReissue Oath or DeclarationReissue Fees
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1412-04-0b9e3d4ea559018597917aa3]
Requirement for Correct Inventorship via Reissue
Note:
If the submitted material complies with 37 CFR 1.175 and the reissue application is otherwise in order, inventorship can be corrected as a patent error under 35 U.S.C. 251.

The reissue application with its reissue oath or declaration under 37 CFR 1.175 provides a complete mechanism to correct inventorship. See A.F. Stoddard & Co. v. Dann, 564 F.2d at 567, 195 USPQ at 106. A request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 cannot be used to correct the inventorship of a reissue application. If a request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 is filed in a reissue application, the request or petition should be dismissed and the processing or petition fee refunded. The material submitted with the request or petition should then be considered to determine if it complies with 37 CFR 1.175. If the material submitted with the request or petition does comply with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.175 (and the reissue application is otherwise in order), the correction of inventorship will be permitted as a correction of an error in the patent under 35 U.S.C. 251.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.175Reissue Oath/Declaration ContentReissue Application FilingReissue Oath or Declaration
Topic

Reissue Application Filing

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1412-04-4f70d96863c69a9f45fcd2b7]
Correction of Inventorship for Non-Reissue Applications
Note:
MPEP provides guidance on correcting inventorship in applications that are not reissue applications.

See MPEP §§ 602.01(c) et seq. for correction of inventorship in an application other than a reissue application.

Jump to MPEP SourceReissue Application FilingReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-1412-04-89be4c45ce5447096316a490]
Reissue Application Cannot Use Request or Petition to Correct Inventorship
Note:
A request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 cannot be used to correct inventorship in a reissue application. Instead, the reissue oath or declaration must be used as per 37 CFR 1.175.

The reissue application with its reissue oath or declaration under 37 CFR 1.175 provides a complete mechanism to correct inventorship. See A.F. Stoddard & Co. v. Dann, 564 F.2d at 567, 195 USPQ at 106. A request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 cannot be used to correct the inventorship of a reissue application. If a request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 is filed in a reissue application, the request or petition should be dismissed and the processing or petition fee refunded. The material submitted with the request or petition should then be considered to determine if it complies with 37 CFR 1.175. If the material submitted with the request or petition does comply with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.175 (and the reissue application is otherwise in order), the correction of inventorship will be permitted as a correction of an error in the patent under 35 U.S.C. 251.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.175Reissue Application FilingReissue Patent PracticeReissue Fees
Topic

Reissue Fees

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1412-04-c3ffb9a495391cc56f7b8282]
Oath/Declaration Required for Correcting Inventorship in Reissue Application
Note:
The reissue application must include an oath or declaration under 37 CFR 1.175 to correct inventorship; requests or petitions under other sections cannot be used for this purpose.

The reissue application with its reissue oath or declaration under 37 CFR 1.175 provides a complete mechanism to correct inventorship. See A.F. Stoddard & Co. v. Dann, 564 F.2d at 567, 195 USPQ at 106. A request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 cannot be used to correct the inventorship of a reissue application. If a request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 is filed in a reissue application, the request or petition should be dismissed and the processing or petition fee refunded. The material submitted with the request or petition should then be considered to determine if it complies with 37 CFR 1.175. If the material submitted with the request or petition does comply with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.175 (and the reissue application is otherwise in order), the correction of inventorship will be permitted as a correction of an error in the patent under 35 U.S.C. 251.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.175Reissue FeesReissue Oath/Declaration ContentProcessing Fees
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1412-04-638bb1b1825618f173e34a52]
Request Under 37 CFR 1.48 or 1.324 Dismissed in Reissue Application
Note:
If a request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 is filed, it should be dismissed and the fee refunded.

The reissue application with its reissue oath or declaration under 37 CFR 1.175 provides a complete mechanism to correct inventorship. See A.F. Stoddard & Co. v. Dann, 564 F.2d at 567, 195 USPQ at 106. A request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 cannot be used to correct the inventorship of a reissue application. If a request under 37 CFR 1.48 or a petition under 37 CFR 1.324 is filed in a reissue application, the request or petition should be dismissed and the processing or petition fee refunded. The material submitted with the request or petition should then be considered to determine if it complies with 37 CFR 1.175. If the material submitted with the request or petition does comply with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.175 (and the reissue application is otherwise in order), the correction of inventorship will be permitted as a correction of an error in the patent under 35 U.S.C. 251.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.175Reissue FeesProcessing FeesReissue Application Filing
Topic

Who May File Reissue

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1412-04-740c416bd152a5a9155723fe]
Inventor Must Consent to Name Deletion in Reissue
Note:
An inventor whose name is to be deleted in a reissue application must consent, even if their rights have not been assigned.

The correction of inventorship does not enlarge the scope of the patent claims. Where a reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent, the reissue oath may be made and sworn to, or the declaration made, by the assignee of the entire interest under 37 CFR 1.172. An assignee of part interest may not file a reissue application to correct inventorship where the other co-owner did not join in the reissue application and has not consented to the reissue proceeding. See Baker Hughes Inc. v. Kirk, 921 F. Supp. 801, 809, 38 USPQ2d 1885, 1892 (D.D.C. 1995). See 35 U.S.C. 251. On the other hand, an assignee of the entire interest can consent to and sign the reissue oath/declaration that adds or deletes the name of an inventor by reissue (e.g., correct inventorship from inventor A to inventors A and B) without the original inventor’s consent. Thus, the assignee of the entire interest can file a reissue to change the inventorship to one which the assignee believes to be correct, even though an inventor might disagree. The protection of the assignee’s property rights in the application and patent are statutorily based in 35 U.S.C. 118. For additional information pertaining to the right of an assignee to take action, see MPEP § 324 (for applications filed before September 16, 2012) and § 325 (for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012). Where the name of an inventor X is to be deleted in a reissue application to correct inventorship in a patent, and inventor X has not assigned his/her rights to the patent, inventor X has an ownership interest in the patent. Inventor X must consent to the reissue (37 CFR 1.172(a)), even though inventor X’s name is being deleted as an inventor. If X’s name is being deleted as an inventor, X consents to the reissue application, and the remaining inventors sign the reissue oath or declaration, X need not sign. If, however, an assignee signs the reissue oath or declaration, inventor X’s signature must also be included in the reissue oath or declaration as an assignee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.172Who May File ReissueReissue Application FilingReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1412-04-bda47a63e59096ca23d46463]
Requirement for Inventor Consent During Reissue
Note:
If an inventor's name is deleted in a reissue application, the inventor must consent and remaining inventors must sign the reissue oath or declaration.

The correction of inventorship does not enlarge the scope of the patent claims. Where a reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent, the reissue oath may be made and sworn to, or the declaration made, by the assignee of the entire interest under 37 CFR 1.172. An assignee of part interest may not file a reissue application to correct inventorship where the other co-owner did not join in the reissue application and has not consented to the reissue proceeding. See Baker Hughes Inc. v. Kirk, 921 F. Supp. 801, 809, 38 USPQ2d 1885, 1892 (D.D.C. 1995). See 35 U.S.C. 251. On the other hand, an assignee of the entire interest can consent to and sign the reissue oath/declaration that adds or deletes the name of an inventor by reissue (e.g., correct inventorship from inventor A to inventors A and B) without the original inventor’s consent. Thus, the assignee of the entire interest can file a reissue to change the inventorship to one which the assignee believes to be correct, even though an inventor might disagree. The protection of the assignee’s property rights in the application and patent are statutorily based in 35 U.S.C. 118. For additional information pertaining to the right of an assignee to take action, see MPEP § 324 (for applications filed before September 16, 2012) and § 325 (for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012). Where the name of an inventor X is to be deleted in a reissue application to correct inventorship in a patent, and inventor X has not assigned his/her rights to the patent, inventor X has an ownership interest in the patent. Inventor X must consent to the reissue (37 CFR 1.172(a)), even though inventor X’s name is being deleted as an inventor. If X’s name is being deleted as an inventor, X consents to the reissue application, and the remaining inventors sign the reissue oath or declaration, X need not sign. If, however, an assignee signs the reissue oath or declaration, inventor X’s signature must also be included in the reissue oath or declaration as an assignee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.172Who May File ReissueReissue Application FilingReissue Oath or Declaration
Topic

Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1412-04-05a37728706c86193722cb59]
Correction of Inventorship Does Not Enlarge Patent Claims
Note:
A reissue application to correct inventorship cannot expand the patent claims' scope without all original inventors' consent.

The correction of inventorship does not enlarge the scope of the patent claims. Where a reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent, the reissue oath may be made and sworn to, or the declaration made, by the assignee of the entire interest under 37 CFR 1.172. An assignee of part interest may not file a reissue application to correct inventorship where the other co-owner did not join in the reissue application and has not consented to the reissue proceeding. See Baker Hughes Inc. v. Kirk, 921 F. Supp. 801, 809, 38 USPQ2d 1885, 1892 (D.D.C. 1995). See 35 U.S.C. 251. On the other hand, an assignee of the entire interest can consent to and sign the reissue oath/declaration that adds or deletes the name of an inventor by reissue (e.g., correct inventorship from inventor A to inventors A and B) without the original inventor’s consent. Thus, the assignee of the entire interest can file a reissue to change the inventorship to one which the assignee believes to be correct, even though an inventor might disagree. The protection of the assignee’s property rights in the application and patent are statutorily based in 35 U.S.C. 118. For additional information pertaining to the right of an assignee to take action, see MPEP § 324 (for applications filed before September 16, 2012) and § 325 (for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012). Where the name of an inventor X is to be deleted in a reissue application to correct inventorship in a patent, and inventor X has not assigned his/her rights to the patent, inventor X has an ownership interest in the patent. Inventor X must consent to the reissue (37 CFR 1.172(a)), even though inventor X’s name is being deleted as an inventor. If X’s name is being deleted as an inventor, X consents to the reissue application, and the remaining inventors sign the reissue oath or declaration, X need not sign. If, however, an assignee signs the reissue oath or declaration, inventor X’s signature must also be included in the reissue oath or declaration as an assignee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.172Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)Inventorship Under AIAAIA Effective Dates
Topic

Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention)

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1412-04-efbb69d9d4f859f37f05e859]
Assignee Can Correct Inventorship Without Original Inventor’s Consent
Note:
An assignee of the entire interest can file a reissue to correct inventorship without needing the original inventor's consent, as long as the claims are not enlarged.

The correction of inventorship does not enlarge the scope of the patent claims. Where a reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent, the reissue oath may be made and sworn to, or the declaration made, by the assignee of the entire interest under 37 CFR 1.172. An assignee of part interest may not file a reissue application to correct inventorship where the other co-owner did not join in the reissue application and has not consented to the reissue proceeding. See Baker Hughes Inc. v. Kirk, 921 F. Supp. 801, 809, 38 USPQ2d 1885, 1892 (D.D.C. 1995). See 35 U.S.C. 251. On the other hand, an assignee of the entire interest can consent to and sign the reissue oath/declaration that adds or deletes the name of an inventor by reissue (e.g., correct inventorship from inventor A to inventors A and B) without the original inventor’s consent. Thus, the assignee of the entire interest can file a reissue to change the inventorship to one which the assignee believes to be correct, even though an inventor might disagree. The protection of the assignee’s property rights in the application and patent are statutorily based in 35 U.S.C. 118. For additional information pertaining to the right of an assignee to take action, see MPEP § 324 (for applications filed before September 16, 2012) and § 325 (for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012). Where the name of an inventor X is to be deleted in a reissue application to correct inventorship in a patent, and inventor X has not assigned his/her rights to the patent, inventor X has an ownership interest in the patent. Inventor X must consent to the reissue (37 CFR 1.172(a)), even though inventor X’s name is being deleted as an inventor. If X’s name is being deleted as an inventor, X consents to the reissue application, and the remaining inventors sign the reissue oath or declaration, X need not sign. If, however, an assignee signs the reissue oath or declaration, inventor X’s signature must also be included in the reissue oath or declaration as an assignee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.172Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention)Reissue Patent PracticeAIA Effective Dates

Citations

Primary topicCitation
AIA Effective Dates
Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)
Consent of Assignee
Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention)
Who May File Reissue
35 U.S.C. § 118
AIA Effective Dates
Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)
Consent of Assignee
Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention)
PTAB Jurisdiction
Reissue Application Filing
Reissue Fees
Reissue Oath/Declaration Content
Reissue Patent Practice
Who May File Reissue
35 U.S.C. § 251
AIA Effective Dates
PTAB Jurisdiction
Reissue Patent Practice
35 U.S.C. § 256
AIA Effective Dates
Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)
Consent of Assignee
Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention)
Who May File Reissue
35 U.S.C. § 325
AIA Effective Dates
Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)
Consent of Assignee
Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention)
Who May File Reissue
37 CFR § 1.172
AIA Effective Dates
Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)
Consent of Assignee
Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention)
Who May File Reissue
37 CFR § 1.172(a)
AIA Effective Dates
Reissue Application Filing
Reissue Fees
Reissue Oath/Declaration Content
Reissue Patent Practice
37 CFR § 1.175
AIA Effective Dates
Reissue Application Filing
Reissue Fees
Reissue Oath/Declaration Content
Reissue Patent Practice
37 CFR § 1.324
Reissue Application Filing
Reissue Fees
Reissue Oath/Declaration Content
37 CFR § 1.48
AIA Effective Dates
Reissue Patent Practice
37 CFR § 1.63
Reissue Patent PracticeMPEP § 1481.02
AIA Effective Dates
Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)
Consent of Assignee
Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention)
Who May File Reissue
MPEP § 324
Reissue Application FilingMPEP § 602.01(c)
AIA Effective Dates
Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)
Consent of Assignee
Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention)
Who May File Reissue
See Baker Hughes Inc. v. Kirk, 921 F. Supp. 801, 809, 38 USPQ2d 1885, 1892 (D.D.C. 1995)

Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP

This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31