What types of patent documents might lead to the discovery of additional parties in an interference?
During an interference proceeding, an examiner may discover additional parties through various patent documents. The MPEP 2307.04 mentions: “During the course of an interference, the examiner may come across applications or patents of parties that claim the same invention, but are not already involved in the interference.” This indicates that the types of patent documents…
Read MoreHow are corrections handled for issued U.S. patents from international design applications?
For U.S. patents issued from international design applications, corrections are handled according to U.S. patent law, not the Hague Agreement procedures. As stated in MPEP 2930: “A patent issuing from an international design application may only be corrected in accordance with the provisions of title 35, United States Code, for correcting patents.” This means that…
Read MoreCan assignment records be expunged after issuance of a patent?
Yes, assignment records can be expunged even after a patent has been issued. The MPEP 323.01(d) states: ‘Expungement of any assignment records will be handled in accordance with 37 CFR 1.4(g). This may include expungement of documents recorded prior to, during, or after, prosecution of the application that matured into the patent.’ This means that…
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