How does the AIA’s first-inventor-to-file (FITF) provision affect perfecting foreign priority claims?
The America Invents Act’s (AIA) first-inventor-to-file (FITF) provision has significant implications for perfecting foreign priority claims, especially in cases where the foreign application has a pre-March 16, 2013 filing date. Key points include: If a patent was examined under FITF provisions, but the foreign priority application has a pre-AIA filing date, perfecting the priority claim…
Read MoreHow can I use a certificate of correction to perfect a foreign priority claim?
A certificate of correction can be used to perfect a foreign priority claim in the following scenarios: When the priority claim was timely filed but not included on the patent due to failure to submit a certified copy. When the priority claim was not timely made, but the correction would not require further examination. To…
Read MoreWhat happens if a certified copy is not received within the time period set in 37 CFR 1.55(f)?
What happens if a certified copy is not received within the time period set in 37 CFR 1.55(f)? If a certified copy is not received within the time period set in 37 CFR 1.55(f), the USPTO will send a Notice of Allowance and Issue Fee Due (Notice of Allowance) with a requirement for the certified…
Read MoreCan I claim priority to a foreign application after my U.S. patent has been issued?
Yes, it is possible to claim priority to a foreign application after your U.S. patent has been issued. According to MPEP 216.01, a claim for priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d) or (f) can be made after the patent is granted, subject to certain conditions: The claim must be made within the time period set forth…
Read MoreCan a U.S. applicant claim priority from a provisional application filed in a foreign country?
Yes, a U.S. applicant can claim priority from a provisional application filed in a foreign country, provided certain conditions are met. The MPEP 213 states: An applicant may claim the right of priority based on a prior foreign application under the Paris Convention and 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d) whether the foreign application is an application for…
Read MoreWhat is the copendency requirement for claiming benefit of a nonprovisional application?
Copendency is a crucial requirement when claiming the benefit of a prior-filed nonprovisional application under 35 U.S.C. 120, 121, 365(c), or 386(c). The MPEP defines copendency as follows: “Copendency is defined in the clause which requires that the later-filed application must be filed before: (A) the patenting of the prior application; (B) the abandonment of…
Read MoreHow does the copendency requirement affect claiming benefit of a prior application?
How does the copendency requirement affect claiming benefit of a prior application? The copendency requirement is a critical factor in claiming the benefit of a prior application. MPEP 211.01(b) states: To be entitled to the benefit of the filing date of an earlier-filed application, the later-filed application must be copending with the earlier application. Copendency…
Read MoreHow do I correct an error in my foreign priority claim?
How do I correct an error in my foreign priority claim? If you need to correct an error in your foreign priority claim, the process depends on the nature of the error and when it’s discovered. According to MPEP 214.01, “Applicant may correct the failure to adequately claim priority to the prior foreign application by…
Read MoreHow can I correct the priority claim in a patent after it has been issued?
To correct the priority claim in an issued patent, you can file a reissue application under 35 U.S.C. 251. The MPEP states: ‘A reissue application can be filed to correct the failure to adequately claim priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d) or (f) or 35 U.S.C. 120 in the issued patent.’ This process allows you to…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between a ‘country’ and a ‘regional patent office’ in the context of foreign priority claims?
In the context of foreign priority claims, there’s an important distinction between a ‘country’ and a ‘regional patent office’: Country: A sovereign nation that has its own patent system and can issue patents directly. Regional Patent Office: An intergovernmental organization that processes patent applications on behalf of multiple member countries. The MPEP states: The right…
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