Patent Law FAQ
This FAQ answers all your questions about patent law, patent procedure, and the patent examination process.
Here’s the complete FAQ:
A ‘chain of title’ in patent ownership refers to the documented history of a patent’s ownership from its original assignment to its current owner. MPEP 314 mentions this concept in relation to name changes and mergers:
Although a mere change of name does not constitute a change in legal entity, it is properly a link in the chain of title. Documents of merger are also proper links in the chain of title.
The chain of title includes:
- Original patent assignment
- Subsequent transfers of ownership
- Business name changes
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Any other events affecting patent ownership
Maintaining a clear and unbroken chain of title is crucial for establishing ownership rights, facilitating patent transactions, and providing clarity in potential patent litigation.
Topics:
MPEP 300 - Ownership and Assignment,
MPEP 314 - Certificates of Change of Name or of Merger,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure