What is the significance of naming inventors in publications and patent applications?

The naming of inventors in publications and patent applications is crucial for determining whether a disclosure qualifies for the grace period inventor-originated disclosure exception. The MPEP provides specific guidance: “This means that in circumstances where an application names additional persons as joint inventors relative to the persons named as authors in the publication (e.g., the…

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How can an applicant establish that a disclosure falls under the grace period inventor-originated disclosure exception?

An applicant can establish that a disclosure falls under the grace period inventor-originated disclosure exception in several ways: Apparent from the disclosure itself: If the disclosure was made one year or less before the effective filing date, names the inventor or a joint inventor as an author, and does not name additional persons as authors,…

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What is the time frame for the grace period inventor-originated disclosure exception?

The grace period inventor-originated disclosure exception applies to disclosures made one year or less before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Importantly, the MPEP notes: “The one-year grace period in AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(A) is extended to the next succeeding business day if the end of the one-year grace period otherwise falls on…

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How does the grace period inventor-originated disclosure exception differ from other prior art exceptions?

The grace period inventor-originated disclosure exception under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(A) is a specific type of prior art exception with unique characteristics: Source of Disclosure: It applies to disclosures made by the inventor, a joint inventor, or someone who obtained the subject matter directly or indirectly from the inventor or joint inventor. Time Frame: It…

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