What is the examiner’s role in evaluating experimental use claims?
When an applicant claims experimental use to counter a prima facie case of unpatentability, the patent examiner has a specific role in evaluating these claims. According to MPEP 2133.03(e)(4): “Once alleged experimental activity is advanced by an applicant to explain a prima facie case of unpatentability, the examiner must determine whether the scope and length…
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of the on-sale and public use provisions in patent law?
The primary purpose of the on-sale and public use provisions in 35 U.S.C. 102 is to prevent inventors from commercially exploiting their inventions for more than one year before filing a patent application. As stated in the MPEP: “One policy of the on sale and public use provisions of 35 U.S.C. 102 is the prevention…
Read MoreCan the sale of a product inherently possessing claimed characteristics trigger the on-sale bar?
Yes, the sale of a product inherently possessing claimed characteristics can trigger the on-sale bar, even if the parties involved in the transaction are unaware of these characteristics. The MPEP clearly states: If a product that is offered for sale inherently possesses each of the limitations of the claims, then the invention is on sale,…
Read MoreHow does the on-sale bar apply to inventions that have not been reduced to practice?
The on-sale bar can apply to inventions that have not been reduced to practice if they meet the criteria established in the Pfaff test. Specifically: The product must be the subject of a commercial offer for sale. The invention must be ready for patenting. An invention can be “ready for patenting” even without reduction to…
Read MoreHow does the “on sale” bar apply to foreign activities under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)?
The application of the “on sale” bar to foreign activities under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b) is nuanced. Generally, it does not apply to activities entirely outside the U.S., but there are exceptions: 1. Foreign manufacture and delivery: “The ‘on sale’ bar does not generally apply where both manufacture and delivery occur in a foreign country.”…
Read MoreHow does the on-sale bar apply to claimed processes?
The application of the on-sale bar to claimed processes differs from its application to products or devices. The MPEP explains: A claimed process, which is a series of acts or steps, is not sold in the same sense as is a claimed product, device, or apparatus, which is a tangible item. (MPEP 2133.03(c)) However, the…
Read MoreWhat constitutes objective evidence of experimental use?
Objective evidence of experimental use typically includes documentation and actions that demonstrate the inventor’s intent to experiment rather than commercialize the invention. While the MPEP 2133.03(e)(2) doesn’t provide an exhaustive list, it suggests that such evidence may include: Informing customers about the experimental nature of the product or process Maintaining control over the invention during…
Read MoreCan a non-profit sale trigger the on-sale bar?
Yes, a non-profit sale can trigger the on-sale bar under 35 U.S.C. 102(b). The MPEP clearly states: A “sale” need not be for profit to bar a patent. If the sale was for the commercial exploitation of the invention, it is “on sale” within the meaning of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b). (MPEP 2133.03(b)) This interpretation…
Read MoreHow does market testing and commercialization information relate to patent disclosures?
Market testing, marketing, and commercialization activities can produce information material to patentability that should be disclosed to the USPTO. The MPEP 2015 states: “Activities or documents associated with market testing, marketing, or commercialization by the patent applicant can also be material to patentability, and therefore, when material, should be disclosed to the USPTO.” This requirement…
Read MoreWhat issues are not considered in inter partes reexamination?
Inter partes reexamination is limited in scope and does not consider all potential issues related to patent validity. According to the MPEP, the following issues are not considered: Public use or on-sale activities Conduct issues Abandonment under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(c) Other issues not based on patents or printed publications The MPEP states: “If questions…
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