How has pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c) changed over time?

Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c) has undergone several changes:

  • Prior to November 29, 1999: It disqualified prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(f) or (g) for obviousness determinations if commonly owned.
  • November 29, 1999: Expanded to include prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(e).
  • December 10, 2004: The CREATE Act further amended it to include subject matter developed under joint research agreements.

The MPEP states: These changes to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c) apply to all patents (including reissue patents) granted on or after December 10, 2004 that are subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102.

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Topics: MPEP 2100 - Patentability, MPEP 2146 - Pre - Aia 35 U.S.C. 103(C), Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: aipa, CREATE Act, patent law history, pre-aia 35 u.s.c. 103(c)