What is the significance of NAFTA and WTO member countries in establishing invention dates?

The significance of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and WTO (World Trade Organization) member countries in establishing invention dates relates to changes in U.S. patent law that expanded the geographical scope for proving invention dates. According to MPEP 2138.02: “Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 104, as amended by GATT (Public Law 103-465, 108 Stat. 4809 (1994))…

Read More

How does the America Invents Act (AIA) affect the “invention made in this country” requirement?

The America Invents Act (AIA) significantly changed the U.S. patent system, including the relevance of where an invention was made. The MPEP 2138.02 notes: “This MPEP section has limited applicability to applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file (FITF) provisions of the AIA as set forth in 35 U.S.C. 100 (note).” This…

Read More