What happens if new matter is added to a pre-AIA application after March 16, 2013?
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.
If new matter is added to a pre-AIA application after March 16, 2013, it does not change the application’s status, but it may lead to rejections. According to MPEP 2159.01:
“If new matter is added via amendment, claims directed to the new matter will be rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph. See MPEP § 608.04.”
This means that while the application remains subject to pre-AIA laws, any claims based on new matter introduced after the original filing date may be rejected under the pre-AIA version of 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph, for lack of written description or enablement.