What constitutes “on sale” under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(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.

Under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1), “on sale” is interpreted similarly to its meaning in pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b). The MPEP states:

“The phrase ‘on sale’ in AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) is treated as having the same meaning as ‘on sale’ in pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b).”

This means that commercial sales or offers for sale, not primarily for experimental purposes, can constitute prior art if the invention was ready for patenting at the time of the sale or offer.