How can an applicant show that a disclosure was made by the inventor or a joint inventor?
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.
An applicant can show that a disclosure was made by the inventor or a joint inventor by submitting an affidavit or declaration under 37 CFR 1.130(a), also known as an affidavit or declaration of attribution. The MPEP states:
“An applicant may show that a disclosure was made by the inventor or a joint inventor by way of an affidavit or declaration under 37 CFR 1.130(a) (an affidavit or declaration of attribution).”
The affidavit or declaration should include:
- An unequivocal statement from the inventor or a joint inventor that they invented the subject matter of the disclosure
- A reasonable explanation of the presence of additional authors, if applicable
- Context, explanation, or evidence to support the assertion of inventorship
It’s important to note that a mere assertion of inventorship without supporting context or evidence is insufficient, as highlighted in the EmeraChem Holdings, LLC v. Volkswagen Grp. of Am., Inc. case.