What is considered ‘material information’ in patent term extension proceedings?
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.
‘Material information’ in patent term extension proceedings is any information that could significantly impact the determination of entitlement to the extension sought. The MPEP 2762 defines it as follows:
“Information is ‘material’ when there is a substantial likelihood that the Office or the Secretary would consider it important in determinations to be made in the patent term extension proceeding.”
This means that any information that could reasonably influence the decision-making process regarding the patent term extension must be disclosed to the relevant authorities.