Can a patent be issued to multiple assignees or a combination of assignees and inventors?
Yes, a patent can be issued to multiple assignees or a combination of assignees and inventors. According to MPEP 307, there are two scenarios: Partial assignees and inventors: “If one or more assignee, together with one or more inventor, holds the entire right, title, and interest in the application, the patent may issue in the…
Read MoreHow does ownership work for partial assignees in pre-AIA patent applications?
For pre-AIA patent applications (filed before September 16, 2012), partial assignees have specific rights and requirements when it comes to patent ownership and prosecution. According to MPEP 324: A partial assignee is any assignee of record having less than the entire right, title and interest in the application. Where at least one inventor retains an…
Read MoreHow is ownership established when there are multiple assignees?
When there are multiple assignees or a combination of partial assignees and inventors, establishing ownership for patent applications becomes more complex. According to MPEP 325 and 37 CFR 3.73(c)(2), each owner must submit a statement that either: Specifies the percentage of their ownership interest, accounting for the entire right, title, and interest in the application…
Read MoreHow are partial assignees handled in patent issuance?
The USPTO has specific provisions for handling partial assignees in patent issuance: If one or more assignees, together with one or more inventors, hold the entire right, title, and interest in the application, the patent may issue in the names of both the assignee(s) and the inventor(s). If multiple assignees hold the entire right, title,…
Read MoreHow do multiple assignees establish ownership in a patent application?
When multiple assignees seek to take action in a patent matter, each partial assignee must provide a submission under 37 CFR 3.73(c). According to the MPEP: In each submission, the extent of each assignee’s interest must be set forth so that the Office can determine whether it has obtained action by the entirety of the…
Read MoreWhat rights do partial assignees have regarding inspection of patent applications?
Partial assignees have limited rights regarding the inspection of patent applications. According to MPEP 106.01, an assignee of a part interest in a patent application is not entitled to inspect the application without written authority from the inventor or the other assignee(s). This restriction is in place to protect the interests of all parties involved…
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