Is commercial success abroad relevant to patent applications in the United States?
Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10
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.
Yes, commercial success abroad is relevant to patent applications in the United States. The MPEP clearly states:
Commercial success abroad, as well as in the United States, is relevant in resolving the issue of nonobviousness.
This means that applicants can use evidence of commercial success from both domestic and international markets to support their claims of nonobviousness in U.S. patent applications.