Can inventorship be corrected through reissue instead of reexamination?
Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30
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, inventorship can be corrected through reissue if it’s not addressed during reexamination. As stated in MPEP 2250.02:
“Alternatively, the failure to name the correct inventive entity is an error in the patent which is correctable by reissue under 35 U.S.C. 251.”
The MPEP further directs readers to MPEP § 1412.04 for more information on when correction of inventorship by reissue is appropriate. This option provides an alternative method for correcting inventorship errors in patents.
Topics:
MPEP 2200 - Citation Of Prior Art And Ex Parte Reexamination Of Patents
MPEP 2250.02 - Correction Of Inventorship
Patent Law
Patent Procedure