What does ‘duty of candor and good faith’ mean in patent law?
The ‘duty of candor and good faith’ in patent law refers to the obligation of individuals involved in the patent application process to be honest and forthcoming in their dealings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
MPEP 2001.03 cites 37 CFR 1.56(a), which states that the “duty of candor and good faith” is owed “in dealing with the Office.” This means that applicants and their representatives must act truthfully and transparently, disclosing all material information relevant to the patentability of their invention.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2000 - Duty Of Disclosure,
MPEP 2001.03 - To Whom Duty Of Disclosure Is Owed,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure