How does the USPTO determine if a claim in a later-filed application is entitled to the benefit of an earlier filing date?

The USPTO determines if a claim in a later-filed application is entitled to the benefit of an earlier filing date by evaluating whether: The subject matter of the claim is disclosed in the earlier-filed application. The disclosure in the earlier-filed application complies with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 112(a), except for the best mode requirement.…

Read More