What is patent term adjustment?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. Patent term adjustment (PTA) is additional time added to a patent’s term to compensate for delays in patent issuance caused by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The adjustment is governed by 35 U.S.C. 154(b) and is calculated based on various types of delays specified in the statute. As stated in MPEP 2731 : “ 37 CFR 1.703 specifies the period of adjustment if a patent is entitled to patent term adjustment under 35 U.S.C. 154(b)(1) and 37 CFR 1.702. ” The adjustment aims to ensure that applicants are not unfairly penalized for delays outside their control during the patent examination process. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Period of Patent Term Adjustment Is Summed MPEP 2731 Period of Adjustment for Patent Term Due to Examination Delay MPEP 2731 Period of Adjustment for Patent Term Due to Examination Delay MPEP 2731 Period of Adjustment for Patent Term Due to Examination Delay MPEP 2731 Period of Adjustment for Patent Term Due to Examination Delay MPEP 2731 Period of Adjustment for Patent Term Due to Interference/Secrecy MPEP 2731 Period of Adjustment for Patent Term Due to Examination Delay MPEP 2731 Limitations on Patent Term Adjustment MPEP 2731 Period of Adjustment Includes Starting Day MPEP 2731 Patent Term Adjustment Due to Examination Delay After 3 Years MPEP 2731 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What are &#8220;A delays&#8221; in patent term adjustment? What are applicant delays in patent term adjustment? What are &#8220;B delays&#8221; in patent term adjustment? How is the A-delay calculated for patent term adjustment? How do interference and derivation proceedings affect patent term adjustment?