Does the enablement inquiry apply to “on sale” determinations under AIA?

No, the enablement inquiry does not apply to “on sale” determinations under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1). This interpretation is consistent with pre-AIA law. The MPEP states: “[T]he enablement inquiry is not applicable to the question of whether a claimed invention is ‘on sale’ under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b).” Since the AIA’s “on sale” provision is…

Read More

How does the “effectively filed date” affect prior art status under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2)?

The “effectively filed date” is crucial in determining the prior art status of U.S. patent documents under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2). According to the MPEP: “The question of whether a patent or published application is actually prior art under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) depends upon its effectively filed date.” (MPEP 2154.01) The effectively filed date…

Read More

What is the significance of the “effective filing date” in determining public use?

What is the significance of the “effective filing date” in determining public use? The “effective filing date” plays a crucial role in determining whether a claimed invention was in public use for patent purposes. According to MPEP 2152.02(c): “Under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1), a person shall be entitled to a patent unless the claimed invention…

Read More

How is the effective filing date determined for reissue applications under the AIA?

The AIA provides specific guidance for determining the effective filing date of claimed inventions in reissue applications: Finally, the AIA provides that the “effective filing date” for a claimed invention in a reissued patent or application for a reissue patent shall be determined by deeming the claim to the claimed invention to have been contained…

Read More

What is the significance of the “effective filing date” in relation to printed publications under MPEP 2152.02(b)?

The “effective filing date” plays a crucial role in determining whether a printed publication qualifies as prior art under MPEP 2152.02(b). The manual states: “AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) uses the term ‘described in a printed publication’ while pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a) and (b) use the term ‘described in a printed publication.’ However, both the pre-AIA…

Read More

What is the effective filing date for benefit claims under 35 U.S.C. 386(c) in AIA applications?

For determining the effective filing date under AIA 35 U.S.C. 100(i)(1)(B) with regard to a benefit claim under 35 U.S.C. 386(c) to a prior-filed international design application designating the United States, the U.S. filing date of the international design application should be used, rather than the international filing date, if they are different. The MPEP…

Read More