How is “substantially the same subject matter” determined for pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 135(b)?

Determining “substantially the same subject matter” for pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 135(b) is crucial for interference proceedings. The MPEP provides guidance on this determination: “The obviousness test is not the standard for determining whether the subject matter is the same or substantially the same. Rather the determination turns on the presence or absence of a different…

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What are the time limitations for filing a reissue application to provoke an interference?

There are important time limitations to consider when filing a reissue application to provoke an interference: One-year rule: The MPEP states, The issue date of the patent, or the publication date of the application publication (whichever is applicable under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 135(b)), with which an interference is sought must be less than 1 year…

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