What is the purpose of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c)?

Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c) is designed to disqualify certain prior art for obviousness considerations under specific conditions. As stated in the MPEP, It is important to recognize that pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c) applies only to consideration of prior art for purposes of obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103. It does not apply to or affect subject…

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How has pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c) changed over time?

Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c) has undergone several changes: Prior to November 29, 1999: It disqualified prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(f) or (g) for obviousness determinations if commonly owned. November 29, 1999: Expanded to include prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(e). December 10, 2004: The CREATE Act further amended it to include subject matter developed…

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What is pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(b) and when does it apply?

Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(b) is a provision applicable to biotechnological processes. It precludes a rejection of process claims which involve the use or making of certain nonobvious biotechnological compositions of matter under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a). This provision is only applicable to applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102. As stated in the MPEP: Only…

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