Can a U.S. patent document with common inventors still qualify as prior art?
Yes, a U.S. patent document can still qualify as prior art under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) even if it has common inventors with the application under examination or patent under reexamination. MPEP 2154.01(c) states: “Even if there are one or more joint inventors in common in a U.S. patent document and the later-filed application under…
Read MoreWhat are the exceptions to 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) and 102(a)(2) rejections?
What are the exceptions to 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) and 102(a)(2) rejections? There are several exceptions to 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) and 102(a)(2) rejections, which are outlined in 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1) and 102(b)(2). These exceptions include: Grace period disclosures: Disclosures made by the inventor or joint inventor within one year of the effective filing date. Derived disclosures:…
Read MoreAre there any exceptions to prior art under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2)?
Yes, there are exceptions to prior art under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2). These exceptions are outlined in 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2). The MPEP section 2154 states: “See MPEP § 2154.02 et seq. for prior art exceptions under 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2) to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2).“ The exceptions generally fall into three categories: Disclosures made 1 year…
Read MoreAre there any exceptions to the “names another inventor” requirement in AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2)?
While the “names another inventor” requirement is a key aspect of AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2), there are exceptions that may prevent a U.S. patent document from being used as prior art even if it names another inventor. MPEP 2154.01(c) mentions: “Even if there are one or more joint inventors in common in a U.S. patent…
Read MoreWhat are the prior art exceptions under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)?
The AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2) provides three exceptions to prior art under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2): 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(A): Inventor-originated disclosure exception 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(B): Inventor-originated prior public disclosure exception 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C): Common ownership or obligation of assignment exception These exceptions limit the use of an inventor’s own work as prior art and provide…
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