What is the ‘effective filing date’ for a claimed invention?
The ‘effective filing date’ for a claimed invention is defined in 35 U.S.C. 100(i)(1) as follows: The term “effective filing date” for a claimed invention in a patent or application for patent means—(A) if subparagraph (B) does not apply, the actual filing date of the patent or the application for the patent containing a claim…
Read MoreHow is the date of abandonment determined for a reissue application?
How is the date of abandonment determined for a reissue application? For a reissue application, the date of abandonment is determined differently than for utility or plant applications. According to MPEP 711.04(a): ‘For a reissue application, the date of abandonment is the date the original patent expired, if the reissue application was filed on or…
Read MoreWhat is a reissue application?
A reissue application is a type of patent application used to correct defects in an existing, unexpired patent. According to MPEP 201.05, “A reissue application is an application for a patent to take the place of an unexpired patent that is defective.” This process allows patent holders to address errors or omissions in their original…
Read MoreWhat is the procedure for correcting or adding a benefit claim in a design application?
What is the procedure for correcting or adding a benefit claim in a design application? The procedure for correcting or adding a benefit claim in a design application differs from that of utility applications. According to MPEP 211.02(a): “For design applications, an application may be amended to claim priority to or the benefit of a…
Read MoreCan a delayed benefit claim be accepted after the patent has issued?
No, a delayed benefit claim cannot be accepted after the patent has issued. The MPEP 211.04 clearly states: “A petition under 37 CFR 1.78 to accept an unintentionally delayed claim for the benefit of a prior-filed application will not be granted in an issued patent.” This means that once a patent has been granted, it…
Read MoreCan I add a priority claim to a patent after it has been issued?
Yes, it is possible to add a priority claim to a patent after it has been issued, but the process requires filing a reissue application. The MPEP states: ‘A reissue application can be filed to correct the failure to adequately claim priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d) or (f) or 35 U.S.C. 120 in the issued…
Read MoreHow does the AIA’s first-inventor-to-file (FITF) provision affect perfecting foreign priority claims?
The America Invents Act’s (AIA) first-inventor-to-file (FITF) provision has significant implications for perfecting foreign priority claims, especially in cases where the foreign application has a pre-March 16, 2013 filing date. Key points include: If a patent was examined under FITF provisions, but the foreign priority application has a pre-AIA filing date, perfecting the priority claim…
Read MoreHow can I correct the priority claim in a patent after it has been issued?
To correct the priority claim in an issued patent, you can file a reissue application under 35 U.S.C. 251. The MPEP states: ‘A reissue application can be filed to correct the failure to adequately claim priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d) or (f) or 35 U.S.C. 120 in the issued patent.’ This process allows you to…
Read MoreCan I perfect a foreign priority claim after my patent has been issued?
Can I perfect a foreign priority claim after my patent has been issued? No, you cannot perfect a foreign priority claim after your patent has been issued if the claim was not timely filed during the pendency of the application. As stated in MPEP 216.01: “A reissue application can be filed to correct the failure…
Read MoreHow can I request a corrected patent with a perfected foreign priority claim?
How can I request a corrected patent with a perfected foreign priority claim? To request a corrected patent with a perfected foreign priority claim after issuance, you need to follow these steps: File a reissue application under 35 U.S.C. 251. Include a petition for an expedited examination of the reissue application. Pay the required fees…
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