How do business mergers affect patent ownership?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 4 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. Business mergers can have significant implications for patent ownership. According to MPEP 314 : Documents of merger are also proper links in the chain of title. They may represent a change of entity as well as a change of name. This means that when businesses merge, it can result in both a change of the legal entity owning the patent and a change in the name associated with the patent ownership. It’s crucial to properly document these changes to maintain a clear chain of title for the patent. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 4 rules Collapse Certificates for Name Changes and Mergers Required MPEP 314 Permitted Certificates Showing Name Change or Merger Must Be Recorded MPEP 314 Name Change Is a Link in Chain of Title MPEP 314 Merger Documents as Chain of Title Links MPEP 314 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Why is it important to record certificates of name change or merger for patents? What types of certificates are recordable for patent ownership changes? What documents are recordable for name changes or mergers in patent ownership? Why is it important to record business name changes and mergers for patents? Does a change of business name constitute a change in legal entity for patent purposes?