35 U.S.C. § 105 — Inventions in outer space (MPEP Coverage Index) – BlueIron IP

35 U.S.C. § 105 Inventions in outer space

Source: Patent Statute (35 U.S.C.)BlueIron Update:

This page consolidates MPEP guidance interpreting 35 U.S.C. § 105, including 8 rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Summary

The language 'in this country' in pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b) does not include other WTO or NAFTA member countries but includes any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and any commonwealth.

What this section covers

  • This section clarifies that 'in this country' for inventions made in outer space refers to the United States and its territories, excluding other WTO or NAFTA member countries.

Key obligations

  • Practitioners must ensure that any claims or disclosures related to inventions in outer space are properly categorized according to the specific geographical scope of 'in this country'.
  • 'In this country' includes any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and any commonwealth but excludes other WTO or NAFTA member countries.

Practice notes

  • Drafters should ensure that all claims related to inventions made on the International Space Station are properly categorized under 'in this country' if they pertain to any State of the United States.
  • Avoid misapplying 'in this country' to inventions made in other countries that are not part of the United States or its territories.

Related Provisions

Based on MPEP Last Modified: 10/30/2024 08:50:22