When does diligence become a factor in patent examination?

Diligence becomes a factor in patent examination when an inventor is attempting to establish prior invention under 37 CFR 1.131(a). The MPEP states, In determining the sufficiency of a 37 CFR 1.131(a) affidavit or declaration, diligence need not be considered unless conception of the invention prior to the effective date is clearly established, pursuant to…

Read More

What is diligence in patent law?

In patent law, diligence refers to the continuous effort an inventor makes to reduce their invention to practice after conception. As stated in the MPEP, In patent law, an inventor is either diligent at a given time or he is not diligent; there are no degrees of diligence. This means that diligence is a binary…

Read More

Can diligence be established through the work of others?

Yes, diligence can be established through the work of others, provided that the inventor has been diligent in overseeing and directing their efforts. The MPEP 715.07(a) states: ‘Work relied upon to show reasonable diligence must be that of the inventor or joint inventors or persons acting on his or her behalf.’ This means that: The…

Read More

What are examples of acceptable excuses for gaps in diligence?

What are examples of acceptable excuses for gaps in diligence? The MPEP provides several examples of acceptable excuses for gaps in diligence during the critical period: Illness of the inventor Extensive travel by the inventor Military service by the inventor Inventor’s employment that related to the invention Reasonable vacation time Time spent in preparing and…

Read More