How does the USPTO handle judicial determinations of fraud or inequitable conduct in reissue applications?
For reissue applications filed before September 16, 2012, the USPTO takes judicial determinations of fraud or inequitable conduct seriously. According to MPEP 1448: “Form paragraph 14.21.09.fti should be used for applications filed before September 16, 2012, where the examiner becomes aware of a judicial determination of fraud, inequitable conduct or violation of the duty of…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle fraud, inequitable conduct, or duty of disclosure issues in reissue applications?
The USPTO does not investigate or reject reissue applications under 37 CFR 1.56. As stated in MPEP 1448: “The Office will not comment upon duty of disclosure issues which are brought to the attention of the Office in reissue applications except to note in the application, in appropriate circumstances, that such issues are no longer…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle admissions of fraud or inequitable conduct in reissue applications?
For reissue applications filed before September 16, 2012, the USPTO handles admissions of fraud or inequitable conduct carefully. According to MPEP 1448: “Where a rejection is made based upon such an admission (see form paragraph 14.22.fti below) and applicant responds with any reasonable interpretation of the facts that would not lead to a conclusion of…
Read MoreWhat are the special circumstances for rejecting a reissue application based on fraud or inequitable conduct?
Special circumstances for rejecting a reissue application based on fraud or inequitable conduct include: An explicit admission of fraud, inequitable conduct, or violation of the duty of disclosure A judicial determination of fraud, inequitable conduct, or violation of the duty of disclosure MPEP 1448 states: “An admission or judicial determination of fraud, inequitable conduct, or…
Read MoreWhat is the significance of the September 16, 2012 date for reissue applications regarding fraud and inequitable conduct?
The September 16, 2012 date is significant for reissue applications regarding fraud and inequitable conduct because it marks a change in the examination process. According to MPEP 1448: “Examination as to the lack of deceptive intent requirement in reissue applications filed before September 16, 2012 will continue but without any investigation of fraud, inequitable conduct,…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle inequitable conduct in patent applications?
How does the USPTO handle inequitable conduct in patent applications? The USPTO takes inequitable conduct in patent applications very seriously. According to MPEP 410: “[T]he Office will consider equitable and public policy principles in assessing whether to issue a patent to an applicant who has engaged in inequitable conduct.” Inequitable conduct typically involves: Failure to…
Read MoreWhat are the risks of improperly claiming micro entity status?
Improperly claiming micro entity status can have serious consequences: It may be considered fraud on the USPTO if done knowingly It can result in the patent being held unenforceable Improperly paid fees will need to be corrected, which may include late fees MPEP 509.04 warns: ‘Any attempt to fraudulently establish status as a micro entity,…
Read MoreWhat are the consequences of fraudulently establishing small entity status?
Fraudulently establishing small entity status or paying fees as a small entity is considered a serious offense. According to 37 CFR 1.27(h): ‘Any attempt to fraudulently establish status as a small entity or pay fees as a small entity will be considered as a fraud practiced or attempted on the Office.’ The consequences of such…
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