What are the special circumstances for rejecting a reissue application based on fraud or inequitable conduct?
Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27
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.
Special circumstances for rejecting a reissue application based on fraud or inequitable conduct include:
- An explicit admission of fraud, inequitable conduct, or violation of the duty of disclosure
- A judicial determination of fraud, inequitable conduct, or violation of the duty of disclosure
MPEP 1448 states: “An admission or judicial determination of fraud, inequitable conduct, or violation of the duty of disclosure is a special circumstance, because no investigation need be made.” However, it’s important to note that “Any admission of fraud, inequitable conduct or violation of the duty of disclosure must be explicit, unequivocal, and not subject to other interpretation.”