Who can file a patent application as the applicant?

For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, the following parties may file a patent application as the applicant: The inventor(s) An assignee to whom the inventor has assigned the invention An obligated assignee to whom the inventor is under an obligation to assign the invention A person who otherwise shows sufficient proprietary interest…

Read More

How can inventors and joint inventors file patent applications after September 16, 2012?

How can inventors and joint inventors file patent applications after September 16, 2012? For patent applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, inventors and joint inventors can file applications in the following ways: An inventor or joint inventor may file an application. A legal representative of a deceased or legally incapacitated inventor may file…

Read More

How can an applicant demonstrate proprietary interest when filing under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b)?

When filing under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b), the applicant must prove proprietary interest in the invention. MPEP 409.03(f) outlines three ways to demonstrate this: Show the invention has been assigned to the applicant Prove the inventor agreed in writing to assign the invention to the applicant Otherwise demonstrate sufficient proprietary interest To prove assignment, submit:…

Read More

What is the significance of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 118 in relation to proprietary interest in patent applications?

Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 118 is significant in determining what constitutes a valid assignment or sufficient proprietary interest for filing a patent application. According to MPEP 409.03(f): “An assignment to a pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant for the sole purpose of obtaining a filing date for a pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) application is not considered an…

Read More