How can the benefit of a provisional application be restored if the 12-month deadline is missed?

If an applicant misses the 12-month deadline for claiming the benefit of a provisional application, they may be able to restore the benefit under certain conditions: The nonprovisional application must be filed within 14 months of the provisional application’s filing date A petition under 37 CFR 1.78(b) must be filed in the nonprovisional application The…

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What is the ‘same invention’ requirement for claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120?

What is the ‘same invention’ requirement for claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120? The ‘same invention’ requirement is a crucial aspect of claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120. MPEP 211.01(b) explains: The second application must be an application for a patent for an invention which is also disclosed in the first application. This means: The…

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What is the ‘specific reference’ requirement for claiming benefit of a prior-filed application?

What is the ‘specific reference’ requirement for claiming benefit of a prior-filed application? The ‘specific reference’ requirement is a crucial aspect of claiming the benefit of a prior-filed application. According to MPEP 211.01, To claim the benefit of a prior-filed application, the later-filed application must contain a specific reference to the prior-filed application. This means…

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How does Taiwan’s status affect priority claims in US patent applications?

Taiwan’s unique political status has implications for patent priority claims in US applications. According to MPEP 213.01: ‘Applicants from Taiwan may claim priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d) to applications filed in Taiwan which are filed by or on behalf of the governing authority on Taiwan.’ This special provision allows Taiwanese applicants to claim priority despite…

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