Can a 37 CFR 1.131(a) affidavit be used to overcome all types of prior art references?
No, a 37 CFR 1.131(a) affidavit cannot be used to overcome all types of prior art references. The MPEP 715 outlines specific limitations on the use of these affidavits: U.S. Patents and Applications: Cannot be used against U.S. patents or published applications naming another inventor with an earlier effective filing date. Statutory Bars: Cannot overcome…
Read MoreCan a 37 CFR 1.131(a) affidavit be used to overcome a statutory bar?
No, a 37 CFR 1.131(a) affidavit or declaration cannot be used to overcome a statutory bar. This limitation is explicitly stated in MPEP 715: An affidavit or declaration under 37 CFR 1.131(a) is not appropriate where the reference is a statutory bar under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b) because no affidavit or declaration can be used…
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