Can I correct inventorship by filing a continuing application?
This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.
Yes, you can correct inventorship by filing a continuing application. The MPEP states:
Correction of inventorship may also be obtained by the filing of a continuing application under 37 CFR 1.53 without the need for filing a request under 37 CFR 1.48, although it should be noted that the requirements for a request under 37 CFR 1.48 filed on or after September 16, 2012 are minimal.
However, it’s important to note that changing inventorship through a continuing application may affect the application’s benefit claim under 35 U.S.C. 120. The MPEP advises, 35 U.S.C. 120 permits a continuing application to claim the benefit of the filing date of a copending, previously filed, parent application provided there is inventorship overlap between the continuing application and the parent application.