How does the USPTO determine if a disclosure is an inventor-originated disclosure?
The USPTO determines if a disclosure is an inventor-originated disclosure through a case-by-case analysis. According to the MPEP: “What evidence is necessary to show that the disclosure is an inventor-originated disclosure requires case-by-case treatment, depending upon whether it is apparent from the disclosure itself or the patent application specification that the disclosure is an inventor-originated…
Read MoreHow does the AIA use the term “disclosure” in 35 U.S.C. 102?
The AIA (America Invents Act) uses the term “disclosure” in specific contexts within 35 U.S.C. 102, particularly in relation to exceptions to prior art. According to MPEP 2152.04: “AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1) and (b)(2), however, each state conditions under which a “disclosure” that otherwise falls within AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) or 102(a)(2) is not prior…
Read MoreWhat types of U.S. patent documents are considered prior art under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2)?
Under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2), three types of U.S. patent documents are considered prior art as of their effective filing date if they name another inventor: U.S. patents U.S. patent application publications World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) publications of international applications that designate the United States As stated in the MPEP: “AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2)…
Read MoreWhat types of U.S. patent documents qualify as prior art under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2)?
Under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2), the following U.S. patent documents qualify as prior art: U.S. patents U.S. patent application publications Certain World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) publications of international applications (PCT applications) The MPEP states: “AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) sets forth three types of patent documents that can be applied as prior art as of…
Read MoreCan 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 types of documents are considered “U.S. patent documents” under the AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(A) exception?
According to the MPEP, “U.S. patent documents” under the AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(A) exception include: U.S. patents U.S. patent application publications WIPO published applications The MPEP specifically states: This exception limits the use of an inventor’s own work as prior art, when the inventor’s own work is disclosed in a U.S. patent, U.S. patent application…
Read MoreWhat types of prior art are considered under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1)?
AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) considers the following types of prior art: Prior patenting of the claimed invention Descriptions of the claimed invention in a printed publication Public use of the claimed invention Placing the claimed invention on sale Otherwise making the claimed invention available to the public As stated in the MPEP: “Prior art documents…
Read MoreWhat types of disclosures are considered under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102?
Under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102, various types of disclosures are considered. According to MPEP 2152.04, the term “disclosure” encompasses the following: Being patented Described in a printed publication In public use On sale Otherwise available to the public Being described in a U.S. patent, U.S. patent application publication, or WIPO published application The MPEP states:…
Read MoreHow does the “time of invention” differ for AIA and pre-AIA applications in equivalence determinations?
The “time of invention” consideration differs for AIA (America Invents Act) and pre-AIA applications in equivalence determinations: For AIA applications: The relevant time is “before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.” For pre-AIA applications: The relevant time is “at the time of the invention.” MPEP 2183 notes: “For applications subject to the first…
Read MoreWhat is the time limit for filing a patent term extension application?
The time limit for filing a patent term extension application is specified in 35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1). According to the MPEP: “An application for the extension of the term of a patent under 35 U.S.C. 156 must be submitted by the owner of record of the patent or its agent within the sixty-day period beginning on…
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