What is considered ‘material’ information in a patent file wrapper?
‘Material’ information in a patent file wrapper refers to data that is significant to the patentability of an invention. While MPEP 724.01 does not provide a specific definition, it emphasizes the importance of such information by stating that It is the intent of the Office that the patent file wrapper be as complete as possible…
Read MoreCan a 37 CFR 1.130(a) declaration be used for all types of prior art?
No, a 37 CFR 1.130(a) declaration cannot be used for all types of prior art. It is specifically designed to address certain types of disclosures that fall within the exceptions under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(A) or 102(b)(2)(A). According to MPEP 717.01(a)(1): The provisions of 37 CFR 1.130(a) are not available if the rejection is based…
Read MoreAre there situations where 37 CFR 1.130(a) declarations are not available?
Yes, there are situations where declarations under 37 CFR 1.130(a) are not available. The MPEP outlines two main scenarios: If the disclosure was made more than one year before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. When the disclosure is a U.S. patent or U.S. patent application publication that claims an invention that is…
Read MoreCan 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 MoreWhat is the effect of a Joint Research Agreement on patent rejections?
A Joint Research Agreement (JRA) can affect patent rejections in the following ways: It can except certain subject matter as prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) and 102(c) for applications subject to AIA. It can disqualify certain references as prior art under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c). When a rejection is overcome due to a JRA,…
Read MoreHow does an inventor’s oath or declaration affect prior art rejections under 35 U.S.C. 102(e)?
An inventor’s oath or declaration can have a significant impact on prior art rejections under 35 U.S.C. 102(e). The MPEP states: ‘If the rejection is based on a U.S. patent or U.S. patent application publication of a different inventive entity which claims the same invention or an obvious variant, and there is at least one…
Read MoreWhat is the significance of the invention date in MPEP 715.01(d)?
The invention date plays a crucial role in overcoming certain rejections under MPEP 715.01(d). According to the section: “a rejection under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 or 103 based on an activity showing that the claimed invention was used or known prior to the filing date of the application may be overcome by an affidavit or…
Read MoreHow do ‘intermediate range’ cases affect unexpected results arguments in patents?
‘Intermediate range’ cases present unique challenges when arguing for unexpected results in patent applications. MPEP 716.02(d) provides guidance on this issue: The court has held that unexpected results for a claimed range as compared with the range disclosed in the prior art had been shown by a demonstration of ‘a marked improvement, over the results…
Read MoreCan interference testimony be used to antedate a reference?
Yes, interference testimony can sometimes be used to antedate a reference in place of a 37 CFR 1.131(a) affidavit or declaration. As stated in MPEP 715.07(b): In place of an affidavit or declaration the testimony in an interference may be sometimes used to antedate a reference in lieu of a 37 CFR 1.131(a) affidavit or…
Read MoreWhen is it necessary to inspect previously patented or abandoned application papers?
Inspecting previously patented or abandoned application papers is necessary in certain situations during patent examination. According to MPEP 711.04(b): “In examination of an application it is sometimes necessary to inspect the application papers of a previously patented or abandoned application. It is always necessary to do so in the examination of a reissue application.” This…
Read More