How does the USPTO determine if a disclosure lacks enablement?
The USPTO determines if a disclosure lacks enablement by evaluating the evidence related to the Wands factors. According to MPEP 2164.01(a): “A conclusion of lack of enablement means that, based on the evidence regarding each of the above factors, the specification, at the time the application was filed, would not have taught one skilled in…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle correspondence information submitted through EFS-Web for international design applications?
For international design applications, the USPTO may use correspondence information submitted through EFS-Web in certain situations. According to MPEP 2912: “Where no correspondence information is included in the submission, or the correspondence information was not made in accordance with the applicable regulations, the Office may use application data furnished through EFS-Web for purposes of correspondence…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO determine the effective filing date for foreign priority claims?
For U.S. patent documents claiming foreign priority, the USPTO determines the effective filing date based on the description of the subject matter in the foreign application. MPEP 2154.01(b) states: If subject matter of a U.S. patent document under examination is not described in the earliest application to which benefit or priority is claimed, the effective…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO determine if the written description requirement is met?
The USPTO determines if the written description requirement is met through a case-by-case analysis. According to MPEP 2163.02: “The fundamental factual inquiry is whether the specification conveys with reasonable clarity to those skilled in the art that, as of the filing date sought, applicant was in possession of the invention as now claimed.” This assessment…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO determine if an SNQ exists for patent reexamination?
The USPTO determines if a substantial new question of patentability (SNQ) exists for patent reexamination through a careful evaluation process. According to MPEP 2242: “If a reexamination request relies on references already considered by the Office, the request must demonstrate that a substantial new question of patentability is raised by the art, when the art…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO determine if claim language is definite?
The USPTO determines if claim language is definite by applying the following principles: Claims are reviewed from the perspective of one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing. Definiteness is evaluated in light of the content of the application disclosure, prior art of record, and claim interpretation that may be provided…
Read MoreWhat is the scope of the USPTO’s determination in a supplemental examination?
The MPEP 2815 outlines the scope of the USPTO’s determination in a supplemental examination: “The determination will generally be limited to a review of the item(s) of information identified in the request as applied to the identified claim(s) of the patent. The determination will be based on the claims in effect at the time of…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO determine if a claim limitation is insignificant extra-solution activity?
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) uses specific criteria to determine if a claim limitation constitutes insignificant extra-solution activity. According to MPEP 2106.05(g), examiners consider the following factors: Whether the extra-solution limitation is well known Whether the limitation is significant (i.e., it imposes meaningful limits on the claim such that it is not…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO determine if a claim is too broad?
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) uses several criteria to determine if a claim is too broad. According to MPEP 2173.04, the assessment depends on the specific issues with the claim: Inventor’s Regard: If the claim is broader than what the inventor regards as the invention, it may be rejected under 35 U.S.C.…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO determine if a biological material is known and readily available?
The USPTO determines if a biological material is known and readily available based on several factors: Public availability of the material Ability to reproduce the material from the written description Accessibility without undue experimentation MPEP 2404 states: “The USPTO will accept commercial availability as evidence that a biological material is known and readily available only…
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