What is the correct format for a copyright or mask work notice in a patent application?

The format for copyright or mask work notices in patent applications must be limited to only those elements required by law. According to MPEP 608.01(w):

For example, “©1983 John Doe” (17 U.S.C. 401) and “*M* John Doe” (17 U.S.C. 909) would be properly limited and, under current statutes, legally sufficient notices of copyright and mask work, respectively.

These formats comply with the legal requirements for copyright notices under 17 U.S.C. 401 and mask work notices under 17 U.S.C. 909. When including such notices in drawings, they must also comply with the size requirements specified in 37 CFR 1.84(s).

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Topics: Patent Law, Patent Procedure