How does 37 CFR 1.130 help overcome prior art rejections?

37 CFR 1.130 provides a mechanism for applicants to overcome prior art rejections by establishing that certain disclosures should not be considered prior art under the America Invents Act (AIA). It helps in two primary ways: Attribution (37 CFR 1.130(a)): By showing that the disclosure was made by the inventor or joint inventor, or that…

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How does a 37 CFR 1.130(a) declaration differ from a 37 CFR 1.130(b) declaration?

Declarations under 37 CFR 1.130(a) and (b) serve different purposes in patent examination: 37 CFR 1.130(a) declaration: Used for attribution of a disclosure to the inventor or joint inventor. 37 CFR 1.130(b) declaration: Used to establish prior public disclosure by the inventor or joint inventor. As stated in MPEP 717.01(a): ‘The provisions of 37 CFR…

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How does the USPTO evaluate the sufficiency of evidence in a 37 CFR 1.130(a) declaration?

The USPTO evaluates the sufficiency of evidence in a 37 CFR 1.130(a) declaration based on a preponderance of the evidence standard. The evidence must show that the disclosure was made by the inventor or joint inventor, or obtained directly or indirectly from them. According to MPEP 717.01(a)(1): The evidence necessary to show that the disclosure…

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