What are reissue applications and when are they used?

Reissue applications are used to correct errors in already issued patents. According to MPEP 201:

‘An application for reissue is made by the patentee when the patent is, through error without any deceptive intention, deemed wholly or partly inoperative or invalid, by reason of a defective specification or drawing, or by reason of the patentee claiming more or less than he had a right to claim in the patent.’

Key points about reissue applications:

• They are filed under 35 U.S.C. 251.
• They can be used to broaden or narrow the scope of patent claims.
• There are time limitations for broadening reissues (within two years from the grant of the original patent).

For more information on Patent correction, visit: Patent correction.

For more information on Patent errors, visit: Patent errors.

For more information on reissue application, visit: reissue application.