What is a grace period disclosure under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(A)?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29

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.

A grace period disclosure under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(A) is a disclosure made by the inventor or a joint inventor within one year prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Such a disclosure is not considered prior art under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1).

According to the MPEP, AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(1)(A) provides that a grace period disclosure shall not be prior art to a claimed invention under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) if the disclosure was made by the inventor or a joint inventor.

This provision allows inventors to disclose their invention within a year before filing a patent application without that disclosure being used as prior art against their own application.

Topics: MPEP 2100 - Patentability MPEP 2155.01 - Showing That The Disclosure Was Made By The Inventor Or A Joint Inventor Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: AIA, grace period, Inventor Disclosure