How can an applicant show that a disclosure was made by the inventor or a joint inventor?
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.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2100 - Patentability,
MPEP 2155.01 - Showing That The Disclosure Was Made By The Inventor Or A Joint Inventor,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure