What is a nonprovisional application for patent according to MPEP 201?

According to MPEP 201, a nonprovisional application for patent is the standard type of patent application. The MPEP states: “A nonprovisional application for patent filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) must include a specification, including a claim or claims, drawings when necessary, an oath or declaration, and the prescribed filing fee, search fee, examination fee and…

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How can an applicant file a continuation or divisional application using a copy of an oath or declaration from a prior application?

For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, an applicant can file a continuation or divisional application using a copy of an oath or declaration from a prior application if: The oath or declaration complies with 35 U.S.C. 115 as revised effective September 16, 2012 It was executed by or with respect to the…

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How does the inventorship in a continuing application relate to the prior application?

The inventorship in a continuing application can be the same as or different from the prior application, depending on the circumstances: For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, the inventorship is determined by the application data sheet or the copy of the oath/declaration from the earlier-filed application. If the continuing application names a…

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Can an inventor’s oath or declaration from a parent application be used in a divisional application?

Can an inventor’s oath or declaration from a parent application be used in a divisional application? Yes, an inventor’s oath or declaration from a parent application can often be used in a divisional application. According to MPEP 201.06(c): ‘In accordance with 37 CFR 1.63(d), a newly executed oath or declaration is not required in a…

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When is a newly executed inventor’s oath or declaration required in a continuing application?

For continuing applications (continuation, divisional, continuation-in-part) filed on or after September 16, 2012 under 37 CFR 1.53(b), a newly executed inventor’s oath or declaration is generally not required if: An oath or declaration complying with 35 U.S.C. 115 and 37 CFR 1.63 (or substitute statement under 37 CFR 1.64) was filed in the earlier-filed application…

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Can the filing of an inventor’s oath or declaration be postponed in a nonprovisional application?

Yes, for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012 (except reissue applications), the filing of an inventor’s oath or declaration can be postponed. The MPEP states: For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012 (except reissue applications), applicant may postpone filing the inventor’s oath or declaration until the application is in condition for…

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Can a patent application be filed without an oath or declaration?

Yes, a patent application can be filed without an oath or declaration initially. According to MPEP 602: ‘An oath or declaration is not required for a provisional application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(b) and 37 CFR 1.53(c). Oaths or declarations are required for design applications, plant applications, reissue applications, and nonprovisional utility patent applications filed…

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What information must be included in the oath or declaration regarding foreign applications?

For patent applications filed before September 16, 2012, the oath or declaration must include specific information about foreign applications if not provided in an application data sheet. According to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63(c)(2), the oath or declaration must identify: Any foreign application for patent (or inventor’s certificate) for which a claim for priority is made…

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