What are the responsibilities of patent practitioners regarding information from other government agencies?
Patent practitioners have a responsibility to review and potentially disclose information received from other government agencies that may be material to patentability. The MPEP 2015 advises: “Similarly, each individual with a duty to disclose, or party with a duty of reasonable inquiry, should review documents it receives from other Government agencies to determine whether the…
Read MoreCan an examiner require information submitted to other government agencies?
Yes, an examiner can require information submitted to other government agencies under certain circumstances. The MPEP states: “This requirement could include statements made or information submitted to other Government agencies such as the FDA.” For example, when examining a claim related to a drug manufacturing process filed more than a year after FDA approval, an…
Read MoreWhat are the duties of disclosure and reasonable inquiry in dealings with other government agencies?
Individuals with a duty to disclose or parties with a duty of reasonable inquiry must ensure consistency in statements made to the USPTO and other government agencies regarding claimed subject matter. The MPEP 2015 states: “Each individual with a duty to disclose, or party with a duty of reasonable inquiry, should ensure that the statements…
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