What is an interference in patent law?
An interference in patent law is a proceeding to determine which party has the right to a patent when two or more parties claim the same invention. The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) Chapter 2300 covers interference and derivation proceedings.
According to MPEP 2304, “The suggestion for an interference may come from an applicant or from an examiner.” This process is crucial in determining priority of invention when multiple parties claim the same or similar inventions.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2300 - Interference And Derivation Proceedings,
MPEP 2304 - Suggesting An Interference,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure