What’s the difference between an affidavit and a declaration?

While both affidavits and declarations serve similar purposes in patent prosecution, there are key differences: Affidavit: A statement in writing made under oath before a notary public, magistrate, or officer authorized to administer oaths. Declaration: As per 37 CFR 1.68, a declaration can be used instead of an affidavit. It must include an acknowledgment that…

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What is the difference between an affidavit and a declaration in patent applications?

In the context of patent applications, affidavits and declarations serve the same purpose but differ in their formalities. According to MPEP 717.01(c): Affidavit: A written statement made under oath before a notary public or other authorized officer. Declaration: A statement in writing made under penalty of perjury, as permitted by 28 U.S.C. 1746. The MPEP…

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What is the difference between an affidavit under 37 CFR 1.131(a) and 37 CFR 1.132 in patent applications?

The key differences between affidavits under 37 CFR 1.131(a) and 37 CFR 1.132 in patent applications are: 37 CFR 1.131(a) affidavit: Used to antedate (show prior invention) a reference by proving invention before the effective date of the reference. 37 CFR 1.132 affidavit: Used to show that the relevant portions of the reference originated with…

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How does a 37 CFR 1.130(a) declaration differ from a 37 CFR 1.130(b) declaration?

Declarations under 37 CFR 1.130(a) and (b) serve different purposes in patent examination: 37 CFR 1.130(a) declaration: Used for attribution of a disclosure to the inventor or joint inventor. 37 CFR 1.130(b) declaration: Used to establish prior public disclosure by the inventor or joint inventor. As stated in MPEP 717.01(a): ‘The provisions of 37 CFR…

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What is the requirement for comparing claimed subject matter in an affidavit or declaration under 37 CFR 1.132?

An affidavit or declaration under 37 CFR 1.132 must compare the claimed subject matter with the closest prior art to effectively rebut a prima facie case of obviousness. As stated in MPEP 716.02(e): “An affidavit or declaration under 37 CFR 1.132 must compare the claimed subject matter with the closest prior art to be effective…

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