How do NASA and DoE ownership contests differ from regular patent interferences?

While NASA and DoE ownership contests share similarities with patent interferences, they have distinct characteristics. According to MPEP 2309: “Although these cases are not interferences, the interference practices in this chapter generally apply to NASA and DoE ownership contests as well.” Key differences include: Purpose: Ownership contests determine government agency ownership, while interferences resolve priority…

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What are declarations and re-declarations of interferences in patent law?

Declarations and re-declarations of interferences are formal proceedings in patent law to determine priority of invention between two or more parties claiming the same patentable invention. According to MPEP 1002.02(g): “3. Declarations and re-declarations of interferences. 37 CFR 41.203.” These declarations are decided by Administrative Patent Judges as outlined in 37 CFR 41.203. The process…

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