When can a provisional rejection be made for copending applications?

A provisional rejection can be made for copending applications under specific circumstances. According to MPEP 2154.01(d): “If a first application has (1) at least one common (joint) inventor or common applicant with a second application or the applications are commonly assigned, and (2) the first application, upon publication or issuance, would qualify as prior art…

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What guidance does MPEP 806.03 provide for voluntarily presented claims in different applications?

MPEP 806.03 offers specific guidance for situations where similar claims are voluntarily presented in different patent applications. The section states: “Where such claims are voluntarily presented in different applications having at least one common (joint) inventor or a common assignee (i.e., no restriction requirement was made by the Office), disclosing the same embodiments, see MPEP…

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How does the USPTO handle prior art rejections when the reference names a different inventive entity with at least one common inventor?

When the USPTO handles prior art rejections where the reference names a different inventive entity with at least one common inventor, the following process is typically followed: The examiner will treat the reference as prior art under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(e), (f), or (g). The applicant can overcome this rejection by filing an affidavit or…

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What is the requirement for the same inventor or at least one common joint inventor in foreign priority claims?

For a valid foreign priority claim, the U.S. application must have at least one common inventor with the foreign application. This requirement ensures that the right of priority is only available to the actual inventors or their legal representatives. As stated in MPEP 213.02: “Consistent with longstanding Office policy, this is interpreted to mean that…

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