How do business mergers affect patent ownership?

Business mergers can have significant implications for patent ownership. According to MPEP 314: Documents of merger are also proper links in the chain of title. They may represent a change of entity as well as a change of name. This means that when businesses merge, it can result in both a change of the legal…

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What is a ‘chain of title’ in patent ownership?

A ‘chain of title’ in patent ownership refers to the documented history of a patent’s ownership from its original assignment to its current owner. MPEP 314 mentions this concept in relation to name changes and mergers: Although a mere change of name does not constitute a change in legal entity, it is properly a link…

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