How should an applicant handle potentially conflicting claims in copending applications?

How should an applicant handle potentially conflicting claims in copending applications? When dealing with potentially conflicting claims in copending applications, applicants must be proactive and transparent. MPEP 2001.06(b) provides guidance: “If the copending application is not commonly owned and the applicant is aware of the copending application, the applicant should disclose the existence of the…

Read More

Who can file a terminal disclaimer?

A terminal disclaimer can be filed by the applicant, patentee, or an attorney or agent of record. For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, the applicant refers to the inventor(s) or the person applying for the patent as provided in 37 CFR 1.43, 1.45, or 1.46. According to the MPEP: A terminal disclaimer…

Read More

What is a terminal disclaimer?

A terminal disclaimer is a statement filed by a patent applicant or owner that disclaims or dedicates to the public the entire term or any terminal part of the term of a patent or patent to be granted. It is typically used to overcome nonstatutory double patenting rejections. The MPEP states: A terminal disclaimer is…

Read More

How do terminal disclaimers affect reissue patents?

How do terminal disclaimers affect reissue patents? Terminal disclaimers filed for the original patent continue to apply to reissue patents. According to MPEP 1405: “Any terminal disclaimer filed in the original patent carries over to the reissue. This is because the reissue patent is for the same invention as that of the original patent and…

Read More

How are terminal disclaimers handled in the Notice of Allowance process?

Terminal disclaimers are an important consideration in the Notice of Allowance process. The MPEP 1303 provides guidance on how these are handled: “If a terminal disclaimer has been filed in the application, the examiner should ensure that the terminal disclaimer has been properly recorded.” The process for handling terminal disclaimers includes: The examiner verifies that…

Read More

What is a terminal disclaimer in patent law?

A terminal disclaimer is a legal document filed by a patent applicant or owner to overcome a double patenting rejection. It typically: Disclaims the terminal part of the statutory term of a later-filed patent that would extend beyond the expiration date of an earlier-filed patent Agrees that the later-filed patent shall be enforceable only for…

Read More