What is the key difference between pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a) and AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1)?
The key difference between pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a) and AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) is the requirement of prior art being “by others.” As stated in the MPEP: “A key difference between pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a) and AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) is the requirement in pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a) that the prior art relied on was…
Read MoreHow does the AIA treat foreign prior art?
The AIA significantly changed the treatment of foreign prior art by eliminating the geographic limitations that existed in pre-AIA law. The MPEP states: Under the AIA, a prior public use, sale activity, or other disclosure has no geographic requirement (i.e., need not be in the United States) to qualify as prior art. This means that…
Read MoreHow does the AIA’s first-inventor-to-file system affect the application of 35 U.S.C. 102?
The America Invents Act (AIA) introduced a significant change to U.S. patent law by implementing a first-inventor-to-file system. This change directly affects how 35 U.S.C. 102 is applied. MPEP 2139.02 indicates: “The AIA revisions to 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 apply to any patent application that contains or contained at any time a claim to…
Read MoreHow does the AIA affect the interpretation of the on-sale bar?
The America Invents Act (AIA) maintained the “on sale” language from the pre-AIA statute, and the courts have interpreted it as having the same meaning. The MPEP states: It is noted that AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) uses the same “on sale” term as pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b) and is treated as having the same meaning.…
Read MoreWhat are the key changes to 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 introduced by the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA)?
The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) revised 35 U.S.C. 102 and thereby, the standard to determine what prior art is available during examination of an application. As stated in the MPEP, “The changes to 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 in the AIA do not apply to any application filed before March 16, 2013.” This means…
Read MoreHow does AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 define prior art for obviousness determinations?
AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 relies on AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a) to define prior art for both novelty and obviousness determinations. The MPEP states: “AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a) defines what is prior art both for purposes of novelty under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 as well as for purposes of obviousness under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103.“ This…
Read MoreWhat changes did AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 make to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(b) and 103(c)?
AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 made significant changes to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(b) and 103(c): Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(b): This provision, which applied to biotechnological inventions, has been eliminated in AIA 35 U.S.C. 103. Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c): This has been eliminated, but similar provisions have been introduced in AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) and 102(c). The…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between 35 U.S.C. 102 and 35 U.S.C. 103 in relation to secondary considerations?
The key difference between 35 U.S.C. 102 and 35 U.S.C. 103 in relation to secondary considerations lies in their applicability: 35 U.S.C. 102 (Novelty): Secondary considerations are not relevant and cannot overcome rejections based on this section. 35 U.S.C. 103 (Non-obviousness): Secondary considerations can be used to support non-obviousness arguments. MPEP 2131.04 states: “Evidence of…
Read MoreCan a 35 U.S.C. 102 rejection be made if the reference doesn’t teach how to practice the invention?
Yes, a 35 U.S.C. 102 rejection can be made even if the primary reference doesn’t explicitly teach how to practice the invention. The MPEP Section 2121.01 explains: “It is possible to make a 35 U.S.C. 102 rejection even if the reference does not itself teach one of ordinary skill how to practice the invention, i.e.,…
Read MoreWhat is the relationship between 35 U.S.C. 101 and other patentability requirements?
While 35 U.S.C. 101 is a crucial tool for determining patent eligibility, it is not the sole criterion for patentability. The MPEP clarifies: “Examiners are reminded that 35 U.S.C. 101 is not the sole tool for determining patentability; 35 U.S.C. 112, 35 U.S.C. 102, and 35 U.S.C. 103 will provide additional tools for ensuring that…
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