What is common ownership under 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C)?

Common ownership under 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) means that the subject matter disclosed and the claimed invention were owned by the same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same person not later than the effective filing date of the claimed invention. This provision allows certain prior art to be excepted as prior…

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How does a joint research agreement affect prior art exceptions under 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C)?

How does a joint research agreement affect prior art exceptions under 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C)? A joint research agreement can significantly impact prior art exceptions under 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C). The MPEP 717.02(a) states: “If the subject matter of the rejection qualifies as prior art under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) and is only prior art under 35…

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How does the prior art exception under 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) affect joint research agreements?

How does the prior art exception under 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) affect joint research agreements? The prior art exception under 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) can be particularly relevant for joint research agreements. According to MPEP 717.02(a): The exception under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) applies if the subject matter disclosed and the claimed invention, not later than the…

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Can an examiner make a new rejection after a common ownership statement disqualifies prior art?

Can an examiner make a new rejection after a common ownership statement disqualifies prior art? Yes, an examiner can make a new rejection even after a common ownership statement disqualifies previously cited prior art. The MPEP 717.02(c) provides guidance on this situation: “If the rejection is obviated and the claims are otherwise allowable, the examiner…

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How can common ownership be established for the 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) exception?

To establish common ownership for the 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) exception, the following statement is sufficient according to the MPEP: Application [the application serial number] and the subject matter disclosed in the reference(s) [the patent identifier of the commonly owned applied art (whether U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, U.S. patent application publications, or WIPO patent publications)…

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How can an applicant establish common ownership for the AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) exception?

How can an applicant establish common ownership for the AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) exception? To establish common ownership for the AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) exception, an applicant can follow these steps: Provide a clear and conspicuous statement that the claimed invention and the subject matter disclosed were owned by, or subject to an obligation of…

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What is the significance of the effective filing date in invoking the AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) exception?

What is the significance of the effective filing date in invoking the AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) exception? The effective filing date plays a crucial role in invoking the AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) exception. According to MPEP 717.02(b): “The effective filing date is the filing date of the earliest application for which the application is entitled…

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What is the effect of a proper common ownership statement on prior art rejections?

What is the effect of a proper common ownership statement on prior art rejections? A properly filed common ownership statement can have a significant impact on prior art rejections. The MPEP 717.02(c) states: “If the applicant disqualifies the subject matter relied upon by the examiner in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) and the procedures set…

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How does a common ownership statement affect the application of AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C)?

How does a common ownership statement affect the application of AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C)? A common ownership statement can significantly impact the application of AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C). According to MPEP 717.02(c): “If the appropriate common ownership statement has been made, or a joint research agreement statement has been made and the requirements of 35…

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