What are the prior art exceptions under 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)?
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.
The prior art exceptions under 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1) are provisions that exclude certain disclosures from being considered as prior art under the America Invents Act (AIA). These exceptions apply to the first inventor to file (FITF) provisions of the AIA.
The MPEP states: See MPEP § 2153.01 for prior art exceptions based on grace period inventor-originated disclosures as provided for under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(A). See MPEP § 2153.02 for prior art exceptions based on inventor-originated prior public disclosures.
This means there are two main types of exceptions:
- Grace period inventor-originated disclosures
- Inventor-originated prior public disclosures