How does the USPTO calculate patent term adjustment for applications filed on or after May 29, 2000?
For patent applications filed on or after May 29, 2000, the USPTO calculates patent term adjustment (PTA) based on several factors. According to MPEP 2733: “The Office makes the patent term adjustment determination by a computer program that uses the information recorded in the Office’s Patent Application Locating and Monitoring (PALM) system.” The calculation takes…
Read MoreWhat is the “three-year pendency” rule for patent term adjustment?
The “three-year pendency” rule is a key provision in patent term adjustment, as outlined in 37 CFR 1.702(b). Under this rule: A patent is entitled to term adjustment if the USPTO fails to issue the patent within three years of the actual filing date Certain time periods are excluded from this three-year calculation, such as…
Read MoreWhat is the three-year pendency adjustment (B-delay) in patent term adjustment?
The three-year pendency adjustment, also known as B-delay, is a component of patent term adjustment that compensates applicants when patent issuance is delayed beyond three years from the actual filing date. According to MPEP 2731: “37 CFR 1.703(b) pertains to the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 154(b)(1)(B) and indicates that the period of adjustment under 37…
Read MoreHow does a successful appeal affect patent term adjustment?
A successful appeal can result in additional patent term adjustment (PTA). According to MPEP 2731: “37 CFR 1.703(e) pertains to the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 154(b)(1)(C)(iii) and indicates that the period of adjustment under 37 CFR 1.702(e) is the sum of the number of days, if any, in the period beginning on the date on…
Read MoreHow do secrecy orders affect patent term adjustment?
Secrecy orders can have a significant impact on patent term adjustment (PTA). According to MPEP 2731, there are several ways in which a secrecy order can affect PTA: “37 CFR 1.703(d) pertains to the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 154(b)(1)(C)(ii) and indicates that the period of adjustment under 37 CFR 1.702(d) is the sum of the…
Read MoreHow is the period of patent term adjustment calculated?
The period of patent term adjustment is calculated based on various factors outlined in 37 CFR 1.703. The calculation includes: Delays due to the USPTO failing to meet certain deadlines Delays beyond three years from the actual filing date Delays due to interferences, secrecy orders, and successful appeals The MPEP states, “37 CFR 1.703 specifies…
Read MoreWhat is the Patent Application Locating and Monitoring (PALM) system used for in patent term adjustment?
The Patent Application Locating and Monitoring (PALM) system is a crucial tool used by the USPTO in determining patent term adjustment (PTA). As stated in MPEP 2733: “The Office makes the patent term adjustment determination by a computer program that uses the information recorded in the Office’s Patent Application Locating and Monitoring (PALM) system.” The…
Read MoreHow are overlapping delay periods handled in patent term adjustment calculations?
The handling of overlapping delay periods in patent term adjustment (PTA) calculations is addressed in MPEP 2731. The key principle is that the total PTA cannot exceed the actual number of days the issuance of the patent was delayed. Specifically: “37 CFR 1.703(f) indicates that the adjustment will run from the expiration date of the…
Read MoreHow do interference and derivation proceedings affect patent term adjustment?
Interference and derivation proceedings can impact patent term adjustment (PTA) in two ways, as outlined in MPEP 2731: They can create a basis for PTA under 35 U.S.C. 154(b)(1)(C)(i) They can reduce the amount of B-delay awarded under 35 U.S.C. 154(b)(1)(B)(ii) Regarding the first point, MPEP 2731 states: “37 CFR 1.703(c) pertains to the provisions…
Read MoreHow is the A-delay calculated for patent term adjustment?
The A-delay is calculated based on the USPTO’s failure to meet certain deadlines during patent prosecution. According to MPEP 2731, there are several components to the A-delay: Failure to issue a first Office action within 14 months of filing Failure to respond to a reply within 4 months Failure to act on an application within…
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