Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27
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.
A reissue patent affects the enforceability of the original patent in the following ways:
- The original patent becomes unenforceable once the reissue patent is granted.
- The reissue patent is enforceable from its issue date.
- Claims from the original patent that are not included in the reissue cannot be enforced after the reissue date.
As stated in MPEP 1460: “The original patent is surrendered by operation of law upon the issue of the reissue patent.” This means that any legal action based on the original patent must be concluded or transferred to the reissue patent after its issuance.