What is the standard term for a utility patent?

The standard term for a utility patent is 20 years from the filing date of the earliest application to which the patent claims priority. This is known as the “twenty-year term.” As stated in the MPEP, For applications filed on or after June 8, 1995, Section 532(a)(1) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Public Law…

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What is the significance of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(e) in patent law?

Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(e) is a crucial provision in patent law that allows certain international application publications, U.S. patent application publications, and U.S. patents to be used as prior art. The MPEP states: “Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(e) allows the use of certain international application publications and U.S. patent application publications, and certain U.S. patents as…

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When did the requirements for Sequence Listings change?

The requirements for Sequence Listings in patent applications changed on July 1, 2022. This is clearly stated in the MPEP: “[Editor Note: This section is not applicable to applications filed on or after July 1, 2022, having disclosures of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences as defined in 37 CFR 1.831(b).]” For applications filed before July…

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What happens if a proper corrected request is timely filed for supplemental examination?

When a proper corrected request is timely filed for supplemental examination, it establishes the filing date for the supplemental examination request. The MPEP states, “If a proper corrected request is timely filed, the filing date of the supplemental examination request will be the receipt date of the corrected request. The Office will mail a Notice…

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