How can inherent characteristics be shown in a 35 U.S.C. 102 rejection?

Inherent characteristics can be shown in a 35 U.S.C. 102 rejection by using additional references or evidence to demonstrate that a feature, while not explicitly disclosed in the primary reference, is necessarily present. MPEP 2131.01 provides guidance on this: “To serve as an anticipation when the reference is silent about the asserted inherent characteristic, such…

Read More

Can extrinsic evidence be used to support inherency in patent applications?

Can extrinsic evidence be used to support inherency in patent applications? Yes, extrinsic evidence can be used to support inherency in patent applications, but there are specific guidelines for its use. According to MPEP 2163.07(a): “Extrinsic evidence may be used to support inherency; however, extrinsic evidence must make clear that the missing descriptive matter is…

Read More

How is inherency established in patent applications?

Establishing inherency in patent applications requires clear evidence that the undisclosed feature is necessarily present in the invention. According to MPEP 2163.07(a): “To establish inherency, the extrinsic evidence ‘must make clear that the missing descriptive matter is necessarily present in the thing described in the reference, and that it would be so recognized by persons…

Read More