MPEP § 1460 — Effect of Reissue (Annotated Rules)

§1460 Effect of Reissue

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1460, 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.

Effect of Reissue

This section addresses Effect of Reissue. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 252. Contains: 1 requirement, 2 prohibitions, 1 permission, and 9 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Recapture Doctrine

7 rules
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-1460-bef2e2f9b9a66a01d818205d]
Reissued Patent Continues Original Claims
Note:
A reissued patent with substantially identical claims to the original will have the same legal effect as the original, continuing its protection from the original filing date.

The surrender of the original patent shall take effect upon the issue of the reissued patent, and every reissued patent shall have the same effect and operation in law, on the trial of actions for causes thereafter arising, as if the same had been originally granted in such amended form, but in so far as the claims of the original and reissued patents are substantially identical, such surrender shall not affect any action then pending nor abate any cause of action then existing, and the reissued patent, to the extent that its claims are substantially identical with the original patent, shall constitute a continuation thereof and have effect continuously from the date of the original patent.

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StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1460-c1d2b3d7b6321763b04fcd74]
Original Patent Remains In Force After Reissue Abandonment
Note:
If a reissue application is abandoned, the original patent remains in force because surrender of the patent did not occur.

Generally, if a reissue application is abandoned, the original patent remains in force because surrender of the patent did not occur. See McCormick Harvesting Mach. Co. v. C. Aultman & Co., 169 U.S. 606, 610 (1898). However, this may not be the case in the situation where multiple reissue applications are filed.

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StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1460-67e326b001688b6768dadabc]
Original Patent Surrendered After First Reissue Grant
Note:
The original patent is surrendered and ceases to exist once a reissued patent is granted, provided there are no pending applications for further reissues.

In the situation where multiple reissue applications are filed, the original patent is surrendered when at least one reissued patent has been granted and there are no pending applications for reissue of the original patent. Pfizer Inc. v. Apotex Inc., 731 F. Supp.2d 741, 748 (N.D. Ill. 2010). 35 U.S.C. 252 mandates that “[t]he surrender of the original patent shall take effect upon the issue of the reissued patent.” After that point in time, the original patent ceases to exist, and no subsequent applications for its reissue can be made. See Peck v. Collins, 103 U.S. 660, 663-64 (1880) (surrender of a patent extinguishes it, and the patentee thereafter has no rights except those in the reissued patent). If, however, a continuation reissue application were filed prior to the issuance of the first reissue patent, then the surrender of the original patent would be delayed until the issuance (or abandonment) of the continuation reissue application. See Ex Parte Bayles, Commissioner’s Decision, 176 O.G. 750 (1912) (grant of first reissue application does not bar copending reissue application for reissue of the original patent). For the situation where a divisional reissue application issues first without the original patent claims, see MPEP § 1450 for more information.

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StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1460-c937507918b749386179847e]
Surrender of Original Patent After First Reissue
Note:
The original patent is surrendered upon the issuance of the first reissue patent, and no further reissue applications can be made.

In the situation where multiple reissue applications are filed, the original patent is surrendered when at least one reissued patent has been granted and there are no pending applications for reissue of the original patent. Pfizer Inc. v. Apotex Inc., 731 F. Supp.2d 741, 748 (N.D. Ill. 2010). 35 U.S.C. 252 mandates that “[t]he surrender of the original patent shall take effect upon the issue of the reissued patent.” After that point in time, the original patent ceases to exist, and no subsequent applications for its reissue can be made. See Peck v. Collins, 103 U.S. 660, 663-64 (1880) (surrender of a patent extinguishes it, and the patentee thereafter has no rights except those in the reissued patent). If, however, a continuation reissue application were filed prior to the issuance of the first reissue patent, then the surrender of the original patent would be delayed until the issuance (or abandonment) of the continuation reissue application. See Ex Parte Bayles, Commissioner’s Decision, 176 O.G. 750 (1912) (grant of first reissue application does not bar copending reissue application for reissue of the original patent). For the situation where a divisional reissue application issues first without the original patent claims, see MPEP § 1450 for more information.

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StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1460-adbe732930f30489e89cea05]
Surrender of Original Patent Upon Reissue
Note:
The original patent is surrendered and ceases to exist upon the issuance of a reissued patent, barring any copending continuation or divisional applications.

In the situation where multiple reissue applications are filed, the original patent is surrendered when at least one reissued patent has been granted and there are no pending applications for reissue of the original patent. Pfizer Inc. v. Apotex Inc., 731 F. Supp.2d 741, 748 (N.D. Ill. 2010). 35 U.S.C. 252 mandates that “[t]he surrender of the original patent shall take effect upon the issue of the reissued patent.” After that point in time, the original patent ceases to exist, and no subsequent applications for its reissue can be made. See Peck v. Collins, 103 U.S. 660, 663-64 (1880) (surrender of a patent extinguishes it, and the patentee thereafter has no rights except those in the reissued patent). If, however, a continuation reissue application were filed prior to the issuance of the first reissue patent, then the surrender of the original patent would be delayed until the issuance (or abandonment) of the continuation reissue application. See Ex Parte Bayles, Commissioner’s Decision, 176 O.G. 750 (1912) (grant of first reissue application does not bar copending reissue application for reissue of the original patent). For the situation where a divisional reissue application issues first without the original patent claims, see MPEP § 1450 for more information.

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StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1460-a211b9b6e86228535f533f38]
Surrender of Original Patent Upon Issuance of Reissue
Note:
The original patent is surrendered and ceases to exist upon the issuance of a reissued patent, leaving the patentee with only rights in the reissued patent.

In the situation where multiple reissue applications are filed, the original patent is surrendered when at least one reissued patent has been granted and there are no pending applications for reissue of the original patent. Pfizer Inc. v. Apotex Inc., 731 F. Supp.2d 741, 748 (N.D. Ill. 2010). 35 U.S.C. 252 mandates that “[t]he surrender of the original patent shall take effect upon the issue of the reissued patent.” After that point in time, the original patent ceases to exist, and no subsequent applications for its reissue can be made. See Peck v. Collins, 103 U.S. 660, 663-64 (1880) (surrender of a patent extinguishes it, and the patentee thereafter has no rights except those in the reissued patent). If, however, a continuation reissue application were filed prior to the issuance of the first reissue patent, then the surrender of the original patent would be delayed until the issuance (or abandonment) of the continuation reissue application. See Ex Parte Bayles, Commissioner’s Decision, 176 O.G. 750 (1912) (grant of first reissue application does not bar copending reissue application for reissue of the original patent). For the situation where a divisional reissue application issues first without the original patent claims, see MPEP § 1450 for more information.

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StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1460-8d9353ccf56671df14ff3ade]
Continuation Reissue Application Delays Original Patent Surrender
Note:
The original patent will not be surrendered until the continuation reissue application is issued or abandoned.

In the situation where multiple reissue applications are filed, the original patent is surrendered when at least one reissued patent has been granted and there are no pending applications for reissue of the original patent. Pfizer Inc. v. Apotex Inc., 731 F. Supp.2d 741, 748 (N.D. Ill. 2010). 35 U.S.C. 252 mandates that “[t]he surrender of the original patent shall take effect upon the issue of the reissued patent.” After that point in time, the original patent ceases to exist, and no subsequent applications for its reissue can be made. See Peck v. Collins, 103 U.S. 660, 663-64 (1880) (surrender of a patent extinguishes it, and the patentee thereafter has no rights except those in the reissued patent). If, however, a continuation reissue application were filed prior to the issuance of the first reissue patent, then the surrender of the original patent would be delayed until the issuance (or abandonment) of the continuation reissue application. See Ex Parte Bayles, Commissioner’s Decision, 176 O.G. 750 (1912) (grant of first reissue application does not bar copending reissue application for reissue of the original patent). For the situation where a divisional reissue application issues first without the original patent claims, see MPEP § 1450 for more information.

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Topic

Intervening Rights

3 rules
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-1460-0cb887f4cc38e2410f29d0a8]
Intervening Rights for Pre-Grant Activities
Note:
A reissued patent does not affect the right of those who made, purchased, offered to sell, or used patented items before grant to continue such activities unless they infringe a valid claim.

A reissued patent shall not abridge or affect the right of any person or that person’s successors in business who, prior to the grant of a reissue, made, purchased, offered to sell, or used within the United States, or imported into the United States, anything patented by the reissued patent, to continue the use of, to offer to sell, or to sell to others to be used, offered for sale, or sold, the specific thing so made, purchased, offered for sale, used, or imported unless the making, using, offering for sale, or selling of such thing infringes a valid claim of the reissued patent which was in the original patent. The court before which such matter is in question may provide for the continued manufacture, use, offer for sale, or sale of the thing made, purchased, offered for sale, used, or imported as specified, or for the manufacture, use, offer for sale, or sale in the United States of which substantial preparation was made before the grant of the reissue, and the court may also provide for the continued practice of any process patented by the reissue that is practiced, or for the practice of which substantial preparation was made, before the grant of the reissue, to the extent and under such terms as the court deems equitable for the protection of investments made or business commenced before the grant of the reissue.

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StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1460-055a4f5cc51a8284587378d0]
Defenses to Patent Infringement Due to Reissue
Note:
Provides defenses for parties that made, purchased, offered to sell, used, or imported patented items before a patent reissue.

The effect of the reissue of a patent is stated in 35 U.S.C. 252. With respect to the Office treatment of the reissued patent, the reissued patent will be viewed as if the original patent had been originally granted in the amended form provided by the reissue. With respect to intervening rights resulting from the reissue of an original patent, the second paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 252 provides for two separate and distinct defenses to patent infringement under the doctrine of intervening rights: "Absolute" intervening rights are available for a party that "prior to the grant of a reissue, made, purchased, offered to sell, or used within the United States, or imported into the United States, anything patented by the reissued patent," and "equitable" intervening rights may be provided where "substantial preparation was made before the grant of the reissue." See BIC Leisure Prods., Inc., v. Windsurfing Int’l, Inc., 1 F.3d 1214, 1220, 27 USPQ2d 1671, 1676 (Fed. Cir. 1993).

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StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1460-57b8b2bf423032f0e87325bb]
Intervening Rights for Reissued Patents
Note:
The reissued patent is treated as if the original had been granted in its amended form, providing defenses against infringement based on actions taken before the reissue.

The effect of the reissue of a patent is stated in 35 U.S.C. 252. With respect to the Office treatment of the reissued patent, the reissued patent will be viewed as if the original patent had been originally granted in the amended form provided by the reissue. With respect to intervening rights resulting from the reissue of an original patent, the second paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 252 provides for two separate and distinct defenses to patent infringement under the doctrine of intervening rights: "Absolute" intervening rights are available for a party that "prior to the grant of a reissue, made, purchased, offered to sell, or used within the United States, or imported into the United States, anything patented by the reissued patent," and "equitable" intervening rights may be provided where "substantial preparation was made before the grant of the reissue." See BIC Leisure Prods., Inc., v. Windsurfing Int’l, Inc., 1 F.3d 1214, 1220, 27 USPQ2d 1671, 1676 (Fed. Cir. 1993).

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Topic

Reissue Patent Practice

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1460-21e392c52739a08cda716686]
Effect of Reissued Patent on Infringement
Note:
The reissued patent is treated as if the original had been granted in its amended form, providing defenses for parties with intervening rights.

The effect of the reissue of a patent is stated in 35 U.S.C. 252. With respect to the Office treatment of the reissued patent, the reissued patent will be viewed as if the original patent had been originally granted in the amended form provided by the reissue. With respect to intervening rights resulting from the reissue of an original patent, the second paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 252 provides for two separate and distinct defenses to patent infringement under the doctrine of intervening rights: "Absolute" intervening rights are available for a party that "prior to the grant of a reissue, made, purchased, offered to sell, or used within the United States, or imported into the United States, anything patented by the reissued patent," and "equitable" intervening rights may be provided where "substantial preparation was made before the grant of the reissue." See BIC Leisure Prods., Inc., v. Windsurfing Int’l, Inc., 1 F.3d 1214, 1220, 27 USPQ2d 1671, 1676 (Fed. Cir. 1993).

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StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1460-0f618531260d25e169f2d920]
Reissued Patent Viewed as Amended Original
Note:
The reissued patent is treated as if the original had been granted in its amended form.

The effect of the reissue of a patent is stated in 35 U.S.C. 252. With respect to the Office treatment of the reissued patent, the reissued patent will be viewed as if the original patent had been originally granted in the amended form provided by the reissue. With respect to intervening rights resulting from the reissue of an original patent, the second paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 252 provides for two separate and distinct defenses to patent infringement under the doctrine of intervening rights: "Absolute" intervening rights are available for a party that "prior to the grant of a reissue, made, purchased, offered to sell, or used within the United States, or imported into the United States, anything patented by the reissued patent," and "equitable" intervening rights may be provided where "substantial preparation was made before the grant of the reissue." See BIC Leisure Prods., Inc., v. Windsurfing Int’l, Inc., 1 F.3d 1214, 1220, 27 USPQ2d 1671, 1676 (Fed. Cir. 1993).

Jump to MPEP SourceReissue Patent PracticeIntervening RightsReissue Claim Requirements
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-1460-f3a3f4ee1fa28dbd2dd98437]
Effect of Multiple Reissue Applications on Patent Force
Note:
This rule explains that if multiple reissue applications are filed, the original patent may be affected even if one is abandoned.

Generally, if a reissue application is abandoned, the original patent remains in force because surrender of the patent did not occur. See McCormick Harvesting Mach. Co. v. C. Aultman & Co., 169 U.S. 606, 610 (1898). However, this may not be the case in the situation where multiple reissue applications are filed.

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Topic

Reissue Application Filing

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1460-4deafbb726b5489eae175421]
Copending Reissue Application Not Barred by First Grant
Note:
A copending reissue application for the original patent is not barred by the grant of a first reissue application.

In the situation where multiple reissue applications are filed, the original patent is surrendered when at least one reissued patent has been granted and there are no pending applications for reissue of the original patent. Pfizer Inc. v. Apotex Inc., 731 F. Supp.2d 741, 748 (N.D. Ill. 2010). 35 U.S.C. 252 mandates that “[t]he surrender of the original patent shall take effect upon the issue of the reissued patent.” After that point in time, the original patent ceases to exist, and no subsequent applications for its reissue can be made. See Peck v. Collins, 103 U.S. 660, 663-64 (1880) (surrender of a patent extinguishes it, and the patentee thereafter has no rights except those in the reissued patent). If, however, a continuation reissue application were filed prior to the issuance of the first reissue patent, then the surrender of the original patent would be delayed until the issuance (or abandonment) of the continuation reissue application. See Ex Parte Bayles, Commissioner’s Decision, 176 O.G. 750 (1912) (grant of first reissue application does not bar copending reissue application for reissue of the original patent). For the situation where a divisional reissue application issues first without the original patent claims, see MPEP § 1450 for more information.

Jump to MPEP SourceReissue Application FilingReissue Claim RequirementsReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1460-188e8bcf4f82f95a29090988]
Divisional Reissue Application Precedes Original Patent Claims
Note:
When a divisional reissue application issues first without original patent claims, the original patent is not surrendered until further notice.

In the situation where multiple reissue applications are filed, the original patent is surrendered when at least one reissued patent has been granted and there are no pending applications for reissue of the original patent. Pfizer Inc. v. Apotex Inc., 731 F. Supp.2d 741, 748 (N.D. Ill. 2010). 35 U.S.C. 252 mandates that “[t]he surrender of the original patent shall take effect upon the issue of the reissued patent.” After that point in time, the original patent ceases to exist, and no subsequent applications for its reissue can be made. See Peck v. Collins, 103 U.S. 660, 663-64 (1880) (surrender of a patent extinguishes it, and the patentee thereafter has no rights except those in the reissued patent). If, however, a continuation reissue application were filed prior to the issuance of the first reissue patent, then the surrender of the original patent would be delayed until the issuance (or abandonment) of the continuation reissue application. See Ex Parte Bayles, Commissioner’s Decision, 176 O.G. 750 (1912) (grant of first reissue application does not bar copending reissue application for reissue of the original patent). For the situation where a divisional reissue application issues first without the original patent claims, see MPEP § 1450 for more information.

Jump to MPEP SourceReissue Application FilingReissue Claim RequirementsReissue Patent Practice
Topic

Reissue Claim Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1460-6aa9d11737428e2b288318b3]
Original Patent Ceases After Reissue Grant
Note:
The original patent is surrendered and ceases to exist once a reissued patent is granted, preventing further reissue applications.

In the situation where multiple reissue applications are filed, the original patent is surrendered when at least one reissued patent has been granted and there are no pending applications for reissue of the original patent. Pfizer Inc. v. Apotex Inc., 731 F. Supp.2d 741, 748 (N.D. Ill. 2010). 35 U.S.C. 252 mandates that “[t]he surrender of the original patent shall take effect upon the issue of the reissued patent.” After that point in time, the original patent ceases to exist, and no subsequent applications for its reissue can be made. See Peck v. Collins, 103 U.S. 660, 663-64 (1880) (surrender of a patent extinguishes it, and the patentee thereafter has no rights except those in the reissued patent). If, however, a continuation reissue application were filed prior to the issuance of the first reissue patent, then the surrender of the original patent would be delayed until the issuance (or abandonment) of the continuation reissue application. See Ex Parte Bayles, Commissioner’s Decision, 176 O.G. 750 (1912) (grant of first reissue application does not bar copending reissue application for reissue of the original patent). For the situation where a divisional reissue application issues first without the original patent claims, see MPEP § 1450 for more information.

Jump to MPEP SourceReissue Claim RequirementsReissue Patent PracticeRecapture Doctrine

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Intervening Rights
Recapture Doctrine
Reissue Application Filing
Reissue Claim Requirements
Reissue Patent Practice
35 U.S.C. § 252
Recapture Doctrine
Reissue Application Filing
Reissue Claim Requirements
MPEP § 1450
Recapture Doctrine
Reissue Application Filing
Reissue Claim Requirements
Pfizer Inc. v. Apotex Inc., 731 F. Supp.2d 741, 748 (N.D. Ill. 2010)

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