What happens to the power of attorney when an inventor dies?
The death of an inventor (or one of the joint inventors) typically terminates the power of attorney given by the deceased inventor in an application filed before September 16, 2012, unless the power of attorney is coupled with an interest (e.g., the patent practitioner is an assignee or part-assignee). As stated in MPEP 409.01(b): “Unless…
Read MoreDoes pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47 apply to deceased inventors?
Pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47 does not directly apply to deceased inventors. The MPEP clearly states: Pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47 should not be considered an alternative to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42 or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 117 since the language ‘cannot be found or reached after diligent effort’ has no reasonable application to a deceased inventor. However,…
Read MoreHow can an applicant proceed if an inventor is deceased?
How can an applicant proceed if an inventor is deceased? If an inventor is deceased, the applicant can proceed with the patent application by filing a petition under 37 CFR 1.47(b). The MPEP states: “When an inventor dies during the time intervening between the filing of the application and the granting of a patent thereon,…
Read MoreIs proof of authority required for a legal representative of a deceased inventor?
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) does not require proof of authority to be filed by a legal representative of a deceased or incapacitated inventor. MPEP 409.01(b) states: “Proof of authority of the legal representative of a deceased or incapacitated inventor is not required.” However, it’s important to note that while the USPTO…
Read MoreWhat documents are required when a legal representative takes over a patent application for a deceased inventor?
When a legal representative takes over a patent application for a deceased inventor, specific documents are required: Proof of authority to act on behalf of the deceased inventor’s estate (e.g., Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration) A new oath or declaration by the legal representative Any necessary assignments or other documents to establish ownership rights According…
Read MoreWhat information must be included in a substitute statement for a deceased or incapacitated inventor?
What information must be included in a substitute statement for a deceased or incapacitated inventor? When filing a substitute statement for a deceased or legally incapacitated inventor, specific information must be included to ensure its validity. According to MPEP 409.01(a) and 37 CFR 1.64, a substitute statement must contain: Identification of the inventor to whom…
Read MoreWhat is a substitute statement for a deceased inventor and when is it required?
What is a substitute statement for a deceased inventor and when is it required? A substitute statement is a document that replaces the inventor’s oath or declaration when the inventor is deceased, legally incapacitated, or otherwise unavailable. For a deceased inventor, it is required when filing a patent application on or after September 16, 2012.…
Read MoreWhat is a substitute statement in patent applications involving deceased or incapacitated inventors?
A substitute statement is a document that can be used in place of an oath or declaration in patent applications involving deceased or legally incapacitated inventors. According to MPEP 409.01(a): See 37 CFR 1.64 and MPEP § 604 concerning the execution of a substitute statement by a legal representative in lieu of an oath or…
Read MoreWhat happens if the legal representative of a deceased inventor is unavailable?
When the legal representative of a deceased inventor is unavailable, the process depends on whether the application was filed before or after September 16, 2012: For applications filed before September 16, 2012: If the legal representative cannot be found or reached after diligent effort, or refuses to make application, pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47 applies. In…
Read MoreWhat happens to a patent application if an inventor dies after filing but before issuance?
If an inventor dies after filing a patent application but before the patent is granted, the process can still continue. According to 37 CFR 1.42 (pre-AIA): “Where the inventor dies during the time intervening between the filing of the application and the granting of a patent thereon, the letters patent may be issued to the…
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