Who can file a petition for a derivation proceeding?
According to MPEP 2310.01, an applicant for a patent can file a petition to institute a derivation proceeding. Specifically, the statute states: “An applicant for patent may file a petition with respect to an invention to institute a derivation proceeding in the Office.” This means that if you are an applicant who believes that your…
Read MoreWhen should an interference be suggested during patent examination?
An interference should rarely be suggested until examination is completed on all other issues. According to MPEP 2303, “Each pending claim must be allowed, finally rejected, or canceled. Any appeal from a final rejection must be completed, including any judicial review. Any petition must be decided.” This means that examiners should resolve all other patentability…
Read MoreWhat is an Interference Practice Specialist (IPS) and when should an examiner consult one?
An Interference Practice Specialist (IPS) is an expert in each Technology Center (TC) who must be consulted when suggesting an interference to the Board. Examiners should consult an IPS when they first become aware of a potential interference or when any interference issue arises during prosecution of an application. According to the MPEP, Examiners are…
Read MoreWhen must an applicant provide a certified translation for a foreign benefit application?
According to MPEP 2304.01(c), an applicant must provide a certified translation of a foreign benefit application when: The foreign benefit application or PCT application is not filed in English The examiner requires the applicant to file a certified translation The applicant wants to be accorded the benefit of the non-English language application The MPEP states:…
Read MoreWhen is a priority showing required in patent applications?
A priority showing is required in the following circumstances: When complying with 37 CFR 41.202(a)(2) to suggest an interference To overcome a rejection based on pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a) or 102(e) when an affidavit is not permitted under 37 CFR 1.131(a)(1) When the examiner requires it due to the application’s earliest constructive reduction-to-practice being later…
Read MoreWhen is claim sorting not appropriate in patent applications?
Claim sorting may not be appropriate in all cases, particularly when it could lead to issues with claim support. The MPEP 2304.01(d) provides guidance on this matter: “Sorting of claims may not be appropriate in all cases. For instance, a claim should not be consolidated into an application that does not provide support under 35…
Read MoreWhat is an interfering claim in a patent application?
An interfering claim in a patent application refers to a claim that covers the same subject matter as a claim in another application or patent by a different inventor. According to MPEP 2304.04(a), “If the applicant already has a claim to the same subject matter as a claim in the application or patent of another…
Read MoreWhat is an interference proceeding in patent law?
An interference proceeding is a contest under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 135(a) between an application and either another application or a patent. As stated in the MPEP 2301: “An interference is declared to assist the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office in determining priority, that is, which party first invented the commonly claimed…
Read MoreWhat is an interference in patent law?
An interference in patent law is a proceeding to determine which party has the right to a patent when two or more parties claim the same invention. The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) Chapter 2300 covers interference and derivation proceedings. According to MPEP 2304, “The suggestion for an interference may come from an applicant…
Read MoreWhat is the definition of a contested case in patent law?
According to MPEP 2301.02, a contested case is defined as: “[A] Board proceeding other than an appeal under 35 U.S.C. 134 or a petition under § 41.3. An appeal in an inter partes reexamination is not a contested case.” In simpler terms, a contested case is a proceeding before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board…
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