What is the “subject matter” requirement for the AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(B) exception?
The “subject matter” requirement is crucial for applying the AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(B) exception. The MPEP clarifies: “The subject matter in the prior disclosure being relied upon under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a) must be the same ‘subject matter’ as the subject matter previously publicly disclosed by the inventor for the exceptions in AIA 35 U.S.C.…
Read MoreWhat is the significance of the statutory bar under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)?
The statutory bar under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b) is a critical concept in patent law that can prevent an inventor from obtaining a patent. According to MPEP 2133.02: “A rejection under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b) cannot be overcome by affidavits and declarations under 37 CFR 1.131 (Rule 131 Declarations), foreign priority dates, or evidence that…
Read MoreWhat are the requirements for invoking the exception under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(B)?
To invoke the exception under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(B), certain requirements must be met. MPEP 2155.02 outlines these requirements: “In order for the exception under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(B) to apply, the subject matter of the intervening disclosure must be the same as the subject matter of the inventor’s previous public disclosure.” The key requirements…
Read MoreHow can an inventor prove a prior public disclosure for the AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(B) exception?
To prove a prior public disclosure for the AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(B) exception, inventors can use affidavits or declarations. The MPEP provides guidance on this: “MPEP § 2155.02 discusses the use of affidavits or declarations to show a prior public disclosure of the subject matter by the inventor or a joint inventor, and MPEP §…
Read MoreHow can an inventor prove a previous public disclosure to invoke the exception under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(A)?
To prove a previous public disclosure and invoke the exception under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(A), an inventor must provide evidence that demonstrates the disclosure occurred before the date of the potential prior art being used against their application. According to MPEP 2155.02: “The previous public disclosure by the inventor or a joint inventor establishes that…
Read MoreWhat is the Prior Art Exception under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(B)?
The Prior Art Exception under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(B) provides an exception to prior art under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2). This exception applies to subject matter that was effectively filed by another after the subject matter had been publicly disclosed by the inventor, a joint inventor, or someone who obtained the subject matter directly or…
Read MoreWhat is the ‘otherwise available to the public’ category in AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1)?
The ‘otherwise available to the public’ category is a new addition to the definition of prior art under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1). This category serves as a catch-all provision to include forms of public disclosure that may not fit neatly into the other specified categories. The MPEP states: “Finally, a catch-all ‘otherwise available to the…
Read MoreWhat does “otherwise available to the public” mean in patent law?
“Otherwise available to the public” is a catch-all provision in AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) that defines a new category of potential prior art. According to MPEP 2152.02(e), this provision “permits decision makers to focus on whether the disclosure was ‘available to the public,’ rather than on the means by which the claimed invention became available…
Read MoreWhat is considered “otherwise available to the public” under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1)?
Under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1), “otherwise available to the public” is a catch-all provision that encompasses disclosures made available to the public by any means. The MPEP 2152.02(e) states: “The catch-all provision of AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1), ‘otherwise available to the public,’ indicates that the statute does not limit prior art to the enumerated categories…
Read MoreHow does the “otherwise available to the public” provision differ from pre-AIA prior art categories?
The “otherwise available to the public” provision in AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) represents a significant change from pre-AIA law. According to MPEP 2152.02(e): “AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) provides a ‘catch-all’ provision, which defines a new additional category of potential prior art not provided for in pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102.” This new provision allows for a…
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