Why doesn’t the USPTO investigate duty of disclosure issues during patent examination?
The USPTO does not investigate duty of disclosure issues during patent examination for several reasons: Lack of appropriate tools: The USPTO lacks the necessary tools to effectively deal with these complex issues. Sensitive nature: Duty of disclosure and inequitable conduct are sensitive matters with potential significant impact on a patent. Judicial doctrine: Inequitable conduct is…
Read MoreWho is responsible for disclosing information to the USPTO?
According to MPEP 2002.01, the responsibility for disclosing information to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can fall on several parties: Attorneys or agents of record Pro se inventors (inventors representing themselves) Other individuals who disclose information to the attorney, agent, or inventor The MPEP states: “37 CFR 1.56(d) makes clear that information…
Read MoreWho owes the duty of disclosure to the USPTO?
The duty of disclosure is owed by all individuals associated with the filing and prosecution of a patent application. This includes inventors, patent attorneys, and anyone else involved in the patent application process. According to MPEP 2001.03, “37 CFR 1.56(a) states that the ‘duty of candor and good faith’ is owed ‘in dealing with the…
Read MoreWho is subject to the Duty of Disclosure?
The Duty of Disclosure applies to several parties involved in the patent application process. According to MPEP 2001, the following individuals are subject to this duty: The inventor(s) The attorney or agent who prepares or prosecutes the application Every other person who is substantively involved in the preparation or prosecution of the application and who…
Read MoreWho has the duty to disclose information to the USPTO?
The duty to disclose information to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) applies to various individuals involved in the patent application process. While the specific MPEP section provided doesn’t elaborate on this, it’s generally understood that this duty extends to: Inventors Patent attorneys or agents representing the applicant Anyone substantively involved in the…
Read MoreWho has the duty to disclose information material to patentability?
According to 37 CFR 1.56(c), the duty to disclose information material to patentability applies to: Each inventor named in the application Each attorney or agent who prepares or prosecutes the application Every other person who is substantively involved in the preparation or prosecution of the application and who is associated with the inventor, the applicant,…
Read MoreWho has the duty of disclosure in reexamination proceedings?
According to MPEP 2014, the individuals who have a duty of disclosure in reexamination proceedings are: The patent owner Each attorney or agent representing the patent owner Every other individual who is substantively involved on behalf of the patent owner in the reexamination proceeding As stated in 37 CFR 1.555(a): “The individuals who have a…
Read MoreWho has a duty to disclose information material to patentability?
According to 37 CFR 1.56, individuals associated with the filing and prosecution of a patent application have a duty to disclose information material to patentability. This includes: The inventor(s) Each attorney or agent who prepares or prosecutes the application Every other person who is substantively involved in the preparation or prosecution of the application The…
Read MoreWhen should information be disclosed to the USPTO during patent prosecution?
Information should be submitted promptly to the USPTO during patent prosecution. The MPEP states: An applicant, attorney, or agent who is aware of material prior art or other information and its significance should submit the information as early as possible in prosecution, e.g., before the first Office action, and not wait until after allowance. However,…
Read MoreWhen should an applicant disclose information about copied claims?
An applicant should disclose information about copied claims at a specific time during the patent application process. The MPEP 2001.06(d) states: “37 CFR 41.202(a) requires the applicant, at the time he or she presents the claim(s), to identify the patent and the numbers of the patent claims.” This means that the disclosure should be made…
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