How does a terminal disclaimer affect patent term adjustment eligibility?

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.

A terminal disclaimer can significantly affect patent term adjustment eligibility. According to MPEP 2751:

Patents subject to a terminal disclaimer are not eligible for patent term adjustment under 35 U.S.C. 154(b).

This means that if a patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer, it is not eligible for any patent term adjustment, regardless of any delays that may have occurred during prosecution. Terminal disclaimers are typically filed to overcome obviousness-type double patenting rejections and limit the enforceable term of a patent to that of a related patent or application.

Topics: Adjustments And Extensions MPEP 2700 - Patent Terms MPEP 2751 - Eligibility Requirements Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Patent Eligibility, Pte Calculation, Pte Eligibility, Pte Products, Term Basics