MPEP § 1410.01 — Reissue Applicant and Inventor’s Oath or Declaration (Annotated Rules)
§1410.01 Reissue Applicant and Inventor's Oath or Declaration
This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1410.01, 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.
Reissue Applicant and Inventor's Oath or Declaration
This section addresses Reissue Applicant and Inventor's Oath or Declaration. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 251, 37 CFR 3.73(c), and 37 CFR 1.172. Contains: 9 requirements, 1 prohibition, 3 permissions, and 1 other statement.
Key Rules
Consent of Assignee
(a) The reissue applicant is the original patentee, or the current patent owner if there has been an assignment. A reissue application must be accompanied by the written consent of all assignees, if any, currently owning an undivided interest in the patent. All assignees consenting to the reissue must establish their ownership in the patent by filing in the reissue application a submission in accordance with the provisions of § 3.73(c) of this chapter.
(a) The reissue applicant is the original patentee, or the current patent owner if there has been an assignment. A reissue application must be accompanied by the written consent of all assignees, if any, currently owning an undivided interest in the patent. All assignees consenting to the reissue must establish their ownership in the patent by filing in the reissue application a submission in accordance with the provisions of § 3.73(c) of this chapter.
For reissue applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, the reissue applicant is the original patentee, or the current patent owner, if there has been an assignment. However the inventor, or each individual inventor who is a joint inventor of a claimed invention, must execute an oath or declaration for the reissue application, except as otherwise provided in 37 CFR 1.175(c). A reissue applicant may file a substitute statement in lieu of the inventor’s oath or declaration as provided for in 37 CFR 1.64 (see MPEP § 604). In addition, the inventor’s oath or declaration may be signed by the assignee of the entire interest if (a) the reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent (37 CFR 1.175(c)(1)), or (b) the application for the original patent was filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest (37 CFR 1.175(c)(2)). When used in this context, “filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest” means that the assignee of the entire interest was named as the applicant in the applicant section of the application data sheet at the time of filing the underlying application that became the patent for which reissue is now being sought. In this situation, the reissue oath or declaration must be signed by a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest and may not be signed by the patent practitioner of record. See MPEP § 325, subsection V, items (A), (B), and (D) for examples of a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest in signing a reissue oath or declaration.
For reissue applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, the reissue applicant is the original patentee, or the current patent owner, if there has been an assignment. However the inventor, or each individual inventor who is a joint inventor of a claimed invention, must execute an oath or declaration for the reissue application, except as otherwise provided in 37 CFR 1.175(c). A reissue applicant may file a substitute statement in lieu of the inventor’s oath or declaration as provided for in 37 CFR 1.64 (see MPEP § 604). In addition, the inventor’s oath or declaration may be signed by the assignee of the entire interest if (a) the reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent (37 CFR 1.175(c)(1)), or (b) the application for the original patent was filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest (37 CFR 1.175(c)(2)). When used in this context, “filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest” means that the assignee of the entire interest was named as the applicant in the applicant section of the application data sheet at the time of filing the underlying application that became the patent for which reissue is now being sought. In this situation, the reissue oath or declaration must be signed by a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest and may not be signed by the patent practitioner of record. See MPEP § 325, subsection V, items (A), (B), and (D) for examples of a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest in signing a reissue oath or declaration.
For reissue applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, the reissue applicant is the original patentee, or the current patent owner, if there has been an assignment. However the inventor, or each individual inventor who is a joint inventor of a claimed invention, must execute an oath or declaration for the reissue application, except as otherwise provided in 37 CFR 1.175(c). A reissue applicant may file a substitute statement in lieu of the inventor’s oath or declaration as provided for in 37 CFR 1.64 (see MPEP § 604). In addition, the inventor’s oath or declaration may be signed by the assignee of the entire interest if (a) the reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent (37 CFR 1.175(c)(1)), or (b) the application for the original patent was filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest (37 CFR 1.175(c)(2)). When used in this context, “filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest” means that the assignee of the entire interest was named as the applicant in the applicant section of the application data sheet at the time of filing the underlying application that became the patent for which reissue is now being sought. In this situation, the reissue oath or declaration must be signed by a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest and may not be signed by the patent practitioner of record. See MPEP § 325, subsection V, items (A), (B), and (D) for examples of a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest in signing a reissue oath or declaration.
(a) A reissue oath must be signed and sworn to or declaration made by the inventor or inventors except as otherwise provided (see §§ 1.42, 1.43, 1.47), and must be accompanied by the written consent of all assignees, if any, owning an undivided interest in the patent, but a reissue oath may be made and sworn to or declaration made by the assignee of the entire interest if the application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent. All assignees consenting to the reissue must establish their ownership interest in the patent by filing in the reissue application a submission in accordance with the provisions of § 3.73(b) of this chapter.
The reissue oath must be signed and sworn to by all the inventors, or declaration made by all the inventors, except as otherwise provided in pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, and 1.47. Alternatively, pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.172, where the reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of any of the claims of the original patent, the reissue oath may be made and sworn to, or declaration made, by the assignee of the entire interest. In this situation, a reissue oath or declaration must be signed by a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest. See MPEP § 324, subsection V. Depending on the circumstances, either Form PTO/SB/51, Reissue Application Declaration by the Inventor, or Form PTO/SB/52, Reissue Application Declaration by the Assignee, may be used to prepare a declaration in a reissue application. These forms are reproduced in MPEP § 1414, which includes additional information pertaining to reissue oaths or declarations.
The reissue oath must be signed and sworn to by all the inventors, or declaration made by all the inventors, except as otherwise provided in pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, and 1.47. Alternatively, pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.172, where the reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of any of the claims of the original patent, the reissue oath may be made and sworn to, or declaration made, by the assignee of the entire interest. In this situation, a reissue oath or declaration must be signed by a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest. See MPEP § 324, subsection V. Depending on the circumstances, either Form PTO/SB/51, Reissue Application Declaration by the Inventor, or Form PTO/SB/52, Reissue Application Declaration by the Assignee, may be used to prepare a declaration in a reissue application. These forms are reproduced in MPEP § 1414, which includes additional information pertaining to reissue oaths or declarations.
The reissue oath must be signed and sworn to by all the inventors, or declaration made by all the inventors, except as otherwise provided in pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, and 1.47. Alternatively, pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.172, where the reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of any of the claims of the original patent, the reissue oath may be made and sworn to, or declaration made, by the assignee of the entire interest. In this situation, a reissue oath or declaration must be signed by a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest. See MPEP § 324, subsection V. Depending on the circumstances, either Form PTO/SB/51, Reissue Application Declaration by the Inventor, or Form PTO/SB/52, Reissue Application Declaration by the Assignee, may be used to prepare a declaration in a reissue application. These forms are reproduced in MPEP § 1414, which includes additional information pertaining to reissue oaths or declarations.
If an inventor is to be added in a reissue application, a proper reissue oath or declaration including the signatures of all of the inventors is required, except where the assignee of the entire interest can properly sign the reissue oath or declaration. If one or more inventors are being deleted in a reissue application, an oath or declaration must be supplied over the signatures of the remaining inventors, except where the assignee of the entire interest can properly sign the reissue oath or declaration. Note that although an inventor being deleted in a reissue application need not sign the oath or declaration, if that inventor to be deleted has any ownership interest in the patent (e.g., that inventor did not assign away their rights to the patent), the signature of that inventor must be supplied in a consent to the filing of the reissue application. See MPEP § 1410.02 as to consent of assignee and MPEP § 1412.04 as to correction of inventorship via reissue.
If an inventor is to be added in a reissue application, a proper reissue oath or declaration including the signatures of all of the inventors is required, except where the assignee of the entire interest can properly sign the reissue oath or declaration. If one or more inventors are being deleted in a reissue application, an oath or declaration must be supplied over the signatures of the remaining inventors, except where the assignee of the entire interest can properly sign the reissue oath or declaration. Note that although an inventor being deleted in a reissue application need not sign the oath or declaration, if that inventor to be deleted has any ownership interest in the patent (e.g., that inventor did not assign away their rights to the patent), the signature of that inventor must be supplied in a consent to the filing of the reissue application. See MPEP § 1410.02 as to consent of assignee and MPEP § 1412.04 as to correction of inventorship via reissue.
If an inventor is to be added in a reissue application, a proper reissue oath or declaration including the signatures of all of the inventors is required, except where the assignee of the entire interest can properly sign the reissue oath or declaration. If one or more inventors are being deleted in a reissue application, an oath or declaration must be supplied over the signatures of the remaining inventors, except where the assignee of the entire interest can properly sign the reissue oath or declaration. Note that although an inventor being deleted in a reissue application need not sign the oath or declaration, if that inventor to be deleted has any ownership interest in the patent (e.g., that inventor did not assign away their rights to the patent), the signature of that inventor must be supplied in a consent to the filing of the reissue application. See MPEP § 1410.02 as to consent of assignee and MPEP § 1412.04 as to correction of inventorship via reissue.
Reissue Patent Practice
(b) A reissue will be granted to the original patentee, his legal representatives or assigns as the interest may appear.
(b) A reissue will be granted to the original patentee, his legal representatives or assigns as the interest may appear.
The reissue oath must be signed and sworn to by all the inventors, or declaration made by all the inventors, except as otherwise provided in pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, and 1.47. Alternatively, pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.172, where the reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of any of the claims of the original patent, the reissue oath may be made and sworn to, or declaration made, by the assignee of the entire interest. In this situation, a reissue oath or declaration must be signed by a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest. See MPEP § 324, subsection V. Depending on the circumstances, either Form PTO/SB/51, Reissue Application Declaration by the Inventor, or Form PTO/SB/52, Reissue Application Declaration by the Assignee, may be used to prepare a declaration in a reissue application. These forms are reproduced in MPEP § 1414, which includes additional information pertaining to reissue oaths or declarations.
AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42)
For reissue applications filed before September 16, 2012, the reissue application must be made by the inventor or the person(s) applying for a patent in place of the inventor as provided in pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, and 1.47 (see MPEP § 409.01(b) and § 409.03 et seq.), except that the application for reissue may be made by the assignee of the entire interest if the application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent. See pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 251, third paragraph.
The reissue oath must be signed and sworn to by all the inventors, or declaration made by all the inventors, except as otherwise provided in pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, and 1.47. Alternatively, pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.172, where the reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of any of the claims of the original patent, the reissue oath may be made and sworn to, or declaration made, by the assignee of the entire interest. In this situation, a reissue oath or declaration must be signed by a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest. See MPEP § 324, subsection V. Depending on the circumstances, either Form PTO/SB/51, Reissue Application Declaration by the Inventor, or Form PTO/SB/52, Reissue Application Declaration by the Assignee, may be used to prepare a declaration in a reissue application. These forms are reproduced in MPEP § 1414, which includes additional information pertaining to reissue oaths or declarations.
Consent of All Owners
(a) The reissue applicant is the original patentee, or the current patent owner if there has been an assignment. A reissue application must be accompanied by the written consent of all assignees, if any, currently owning an undivided interest in the patent. All assignees consenting to the reissue must establish their ownership in the patent by filing in the reissue application a submission in accordance with the provisions of § 3.73(c) of this chapter.
AIA Effective Dates
For reissue applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, the reissue applicant is the original patentee, or the current patent owner, if there has been an assignment. However the inventor, or each individual inventor who is a joint inventor of a claimed invention, must execute an oath or declaration for the reissue application, except as otherwise provided in 37 CFR 1.175(c). A reissue applicant may file a substitute statement in lieu of the inventor’s oath or declaration as provided for in 37 CFR 1.64 (see MPEP § 604). In addition, the inventor’s oath or declaration may be signed by the assignee of the entire interest if (a) the reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent (37 CFR 1.175(c)(1)), or (b) the application for the original patent was filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest (37 CFR 1.175(c)(2)). When used in this context, “filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest” means that the assignee of the entire interest was named as the applicant in the applicant section of the application data sheet at the time of filing the underlying application that became the patent for which reissue is now being sought. In this situation, the reissue oath or declaration must be signed by a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest and may not be signed by the patent practitioner of record. See MPEP § 325, subsection V, items (A), (B), and (D) for examples of a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest in signing a reissue oath or declaration.
Who May File Reissue
For reissue applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, the reissue applicant is the original patentee, or the current patent owner, if there has been an assignment. However the inventor, or each individual inventor who is a joint inventor of a claimed invention, must execute an oath or declaration for the reissue application, except as otherwise provided in 37 CFR 1.175(c). A reissue applicant may file a substitute statement in lieu of the inventor’s oath or declaration as provided for in 37 CFR 1.64 (see MPEP § 604). In addition, the inventor’s oath or declaration may be signed by the assignee of the entire interest if (a) the reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent (37 CFR 1.175(c)(1)), or (b) the application for the original patent was filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest (37 CFR 1.175(c)(2)). When used in this context, “filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest” means that the assignee of the entire interest was named as the applicant in the applicant section of the application data sheet at the time of filing the underlying application that became the patent for which reissue is now being sought. In this situation, the reissue oath or declaration must be signed by a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest and may not be signed by the patent practitioner of record. See MPEP § 325, subsection V, items (A), (B), and (D) for examples of a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest in signing a reissue oath or declaration.
Substitute Statement (37 CFR 1.64)
For continuation or divisional reissue applications, a copy of the inventor’s oath or declaration from the earlier-filed reissue application may be used, provided that: (1) the inventor, or each joint inventor of a claimed invention, in the reissue application executed an inventor’s oath or declaration for the earlier-filed reissue application, except as provided in 37 CFR 1.64; (2) the continuing reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent; or (3) the application for the original patent was filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest. See 37 CFR 1.175(f)(1). Depending on the circumstances, either Form PTO/AIA/05, Reissue Application Declaration by the Inventor, or Form PTO/AIA/06, Reissue Application Declaration by the Assignee, may be used to prepare a declaration in a reissue application. These forms are reproduced in MPEP § 1414, which includes additional information on the content of reissue oaths or declarations, such as when the statement of at least one error in a copy of the inventor’s oath or declaration from the earlier-filed reissue application will be accepted by the Office.
Content of Substitute Statement
For continuation or divisional reissue applications, a copy of the inventor’s oath or declaration from the earlier-filed reissue application may be used, provided that: (1) the inventor, or each joint inventor of a claimed invention, in the reissue application executed an inventor’s oath or declaration for the earlier-filed reissue application, except as provided in 37 CFR 1.64; (2) the continuing reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent; or (3) the application for the original patent was filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest. See 37 CFR 1.175(f)(1). Depending on the circumstances, either Form PTO/AIA/05, Reissue Application Declaration by the Inventor, or Form PTO/AIA/06, Reissue Application Declaration by the Assignee, may be used to prepare a declaration in a reissue application. These forms are reproduced in MPEP § 1414, which includes additional information on the content of reissue oaths or declarations, such as when the statement of at least one error in a copy of the inventor’s oath or declaration from the earlier-filed reissue application will be accepted by the Office.
Reissue Oath/Declaration Content
For continuation or divisional reissue applications, a copy of the inventor’s oath or declaration from the earlier-filed reissue application may be used, provided that: (1) the inventor, or each joint inventor of a claimed invention, in the reissue application executed an inventor’s oath or declaration for the earlier-filed reissue application, except as provided in 37 CFR 1.64; (2) the continuing reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent; or (3) the application for the original patent was filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest. See 37 CFR 1.175(f)(1). Depending on the circumstances, either Form PTO/AIA/05, Reissue Application Declaration by the Inventor, or Form PTO/AIA/06, Reissue Application Declaration by the Assignee, may be used to prepare a declaration in a reissue application. These forms are reproduced in MPEP § 1414, which includes additional information on the content of reissue oaths or declarations, such as when the statement of at least one error in a copy of the inventor’s oath or declaration from the earlier-filed reissue application will be accepted by the Office.
Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)
The provisions of this title relating to applications for patent shall be applicable to applications for reissue of a patent, except that application for reissue may be made and sworn to by the assignee of the entire interest if the application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent.
Reissue Oath by Assignee
(a) A reissue oath must be signed and sworn to or declaration made by the inventor or inventors except as otherwise provided (see §§ 1.42, 1.43, 1.47), and must be accompanied by the written consent of all assignees, if any, owning an undivided interest in the patent, but a reissue oath may be made and sworn to or declaration made by the assignee of the entire interest if the application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent. All assignees consenting to the reissue must establish their ownership interest in the patent by filing in the reissue application a submission in accordance with the provisions of § 3.73(b) of this chapter.
Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention)
For reissue applications filed before September 16, 2012, the reissue application must be made by the inventor or the person(s) applying for a patent in place of the inventor as provided in pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, and 1.47 (see MPEP § 409.01(b) and § 409.03 et seq.), except that the application for reissue may be made by the assignee of the entire interest if the application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent. See pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 251, third paragraph.
Citations
| Primary topic | Citation |
|---|---|
| AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42) Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention) | 35 U.S.C. § 251 |
| AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42) Consent of Assignee Reissue Patent Practice | 37 CFR § 1.172 |
| AIA Effective Dates Consent of Assignee Who May File Reissue | 37 CFR § 1.175(c) |
| AIA Effective Dates Consent of Assignee Who May File Reissue | 37 CFR § 1.175(c)(1) |
| AIA Effective Dates Consent of Assignee Who May File Reissue | 37 CFR § 1.175(c)(2) |
| Content of Substitute Statement Reissue Oath/Declaration Content Substitute Statement (37 CFR 1.64) | 37 CFR § 1.175(f)(1) |
| AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42) Consent of Assignee Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention) Reissue Oath by Assignee Reissue Patent Practice | 37 CFR § 1.42 |
| AIA Effective Dates Consent of Assignee Content of Substitute Statement Reissue Oath/Declaration Content Substitute Statement (37 CFR 1.64) Who May File Reissue | 37 CFR § 1.46 |
| AIA Effective Dates Consent of Assignee Content of Substitute Statement Reissue Oath/Declaration Content Substitute Statement (37 CFR 1.64) Who May File Reissue | 37 CFR § 1.64 |
| Consent of Assignee Reissue Oath by Assignee | 37 CFR § 3.73(b) |
| Consent of All Owners Consent of Assignee | 37 CFR § 3.73(c) |
| AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42) Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention) | 37 CFR § 409.03 |
| Consent of Assignee | MPEP § 1410.02 |
| Consent of Assignee | MPEP § 1412.04 |
| AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42) Consent of Assignee Content of Substitute Statement Reissue Oath/Declaration Content Reissue Patent Practice Substitute Statement (37 CFR 1.64) | MPEP § 1414 |
| AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42) Consent of Assignee Reissue Patent Practice | MPEP § 324 |
| AIA Effective Dates Consent of Assignee Who May File Reissue | MPEP § 325 |
| AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42) Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention) | MPEP § 409.01(b) |
| AIA Effective Dates Consent of Assignee Who May File Reissue | MPEP § 604 |
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.
Official MPEP § 1410.01 — Reissue Applicant and Inventor’s Oath or Declaration
Source: USPTO1410.01 Reissue Applicant and Inventor’s Oath or Declaration [R-07.2022]
I. REISSUE APPLICATION FILED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 16, 2012[Editor Note: See subsection II, below, for reissue applications filed before September 16, 2012.]
35 U.S.C. 251 Reissue of defective patents.
*****
- (c) APPLICABILITY OF THIS TITLE.— The provisions of this title relating to applications for patent shall be applicable to applications for reissue of a patent, except that application for reissue may be made and sworn to by the assignee of the entire interest if the application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent or the application for the original patent was filed by the assignee of the entire interest.
*****
37 CFR 1.172 Reissue Applicant.
- (a) The reissue applicant is the original patentee, or the current patent owner if there has been an assignment. A reissue application must be accompanied by the written consent of all assignees, if any, currently owning an undivided interest in the patent. All assignees consenting to the reissue must establish their ownership in the patent by filing in the reissue application a submission in accordance with the provisions of § 3.73(c) of this chapter.
- (b) A reissue will be granted to the original patentee, his legal representatives or assigns as the interest may appear.
37 CFR 1.175 Inventor’s oath or declaration for a reissue application.
*****
- (c) The inventor, or each individual who is a joint inventor
of a claimed invention, in a reissue application must execute an oath or
declaration for the reissue application, except as provided for in
§
1.64, and except that the inventor’s oath or
declaration for a reissue application may be signed by the assignee of the
entire interest if:
- (1) The application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent; or
- (2) The application for the original patent was filed under § 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest.
*****
For reissue applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, the reissue applicant is the original patentee, or the current patent owner, if there has been an assignment. However the inventor, or each individual inventor who is a joint inventor of a claimed invention, must execute an oath or declaration for the reissue application, except as otherwise provided in 37 CFR 1.175(c). A reissue applicant may file a substitute statement in lieu of the inventor’s oath or declaration as provided for in 37 CFR 1.64 (see MPEP § 604). In addition, the inventor’s oath or declaration may be signed by the assignee of the entire interest if (a) the reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent (37 CFR 1.175(c)(1)), or (b) the application for the original patent was filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest (37 CFR 1.175(c)(2)). When used in this context, “filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest” means that the assignee of the entire interest was named as the applicant in the applicant section of the application data sheet at the time of filing the underlying application that became the patent for which reissue is now being sought. In this situation, the reissue oath or declaration must be signed by a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest and may not be signed by the patent practitioner of record. See MPEP § 325, subsection V, items (A), (B), and (D) for examples of a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest in signing a reissue oath or declaration.
For continuation or divisional reissue applications, a copy of the inventor’s oath or declaration from the earlier-filed reissue application may be used, provided that: (1) the inventor, or each joint inventor of a claimed invention, in the reissue application executed an inventor’s oath or declaration for the earlier-filed reissue application, except as provided in 37 CFR 1.64; (2) the continuing reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent; or (3) the application for the original patent was filed under 37 CFR 1.46 by the assignee of the entire interest. See 37 CFR 1.175(f)(1). Depending on the circumstances, either Form PTO/AIA/05, Reissue Application Declaration by the Inventor, or Form PTO/AIA/06, Reissue Application Declaration by the Assignee, may be used to prepare a declaration in a reissue application. These forms are reproduced in MPEP § 1414, which includes additional information on the content of reissue oaths or declarations, such as when the statement of at least one error in a copy of the inventor’s oath or declaration from the earlier-filed reissue application will be accepted by the Office.
II. REISSUE APPLICATION FILED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 16, 2012[Editor Note: See subsection I, above, for reissue applications filed on or after September 16, 2012.]
35 U.S.C. 251 (pre-AIA) Reissue of defective patents.
*****
The provisions of this title relating to applications for patent shall be applicable to applications for reissue of a patent, except that application for reissue may be made and sworn to by the assignee of the entire interest if the application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent.
*****
Pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.172 Applicants, assignees.
- (a) A reissue oath must be signed and sworn to or declaration made by the inventor or inventors except as otherwise provided (see §§ 1.42, 1.43, 1.47), and must be accompanied by the written consent of all assignees, if any, owning an undivided interest in the patent, but a reissue oath may be made and sworn to or declaration made by the assignee of the entire interest if the application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent. All assignees consenting to the reissue must establish their ownership interest in the patent by filing in the reissue application a submission in accordance with the provisions of § 3.73(b) of this chapter.
- (b) A reissue will be granted to the original patentee, his legal representatives or assigns as the interest may appear.
For reissue applications filed before September 16, 2012, the reissue application must be made by the inventor or the person(s) applying for a patent in place of the inventor as provided in pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, and 1.47 (see MPEP § 409.01(b) and § 409.03et seq.), except that the application for reissue may be made by the assignee of the entire interest if the application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent. See pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 251, third paragraph.
The reissue oath must be signed and sworn to by all the inventors, or declaration made by all the inventors, except as otherwise provided in pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, and 1.47. Alternatively, pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.172, where the reissue application does not seek to enlarge the scope of any of the claims of the original patent, the reissue oath may be made and sworn to, or declaration made, by the assignee of the entire interest. In this situation, a reissue oath or declaration must be signed by a party authorized to act on behalf of the assignee of the entire interest. See MPEP § 324, subsection V. Depending on the circumstances, either Form PTO/SB/51, Reissue Application Declaration by the Inventor, or Form PTO/SB/52, Reissue Application Declaration by the Assignee, may be used to prepare a declaration in a reissue application. These forms are reproduced in MPEP § 1414, which includes additional information pertaining to reissue oaths or declarations.
III. ADDING OR DELETING AN INVENTORIf an inventor is to be added in a reissue application, a proper reissue oath or declaration including the signatures of all of the inventors is required, except where the assignee of the entire interest can properly sign the reissue oath or declaration. If one or more inventors are being deleted in a reissue application, an oath or declaration must be supplied over the signatures of the remaining inventors, except where the assignee of the entire interest can properly sign the reissue oath or declaration. Note that although an inventor being deleted in a reissue application need not sign the oath or declaration, if that inventor to be deleted has any ownership interest in the patent (e.g., that inventor did not assign away their rights to the patent), the signature of that inventor must be supplied in a consent to the filing of the reissue application. See MPEP § 1410.02 as to consent of assignee and MPEP § 1412.04 as to correction of inventorship via reissue.