What is the purpose of a Joint Research Agreement (JRA) in patent law?

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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. A Joint Research Agreement (JRA) in patent law serves to facilitate collaboration between different entities in research and development. The main purpose of a JRA, as defined in MPEP 2156 , is to disqualify certain prior art that would otherwise be available under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(e). Specifically, the MPEP states: “The joint research agreement provisions of 35 U.S.C. 102(c) provide a mechanism for disqualifying certain prior art that would otherwise be available under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(e).” This allows inventors from different organizations to collaborate without risking their own work being used as prior art against each other’s patent applications. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Joint Research Agreement Subject Matter Under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 Treated by 37 CFR 1.104(c)(4)(ii) MPEP 2156 Joint Research Agreement Subject Matter Not Prior Art MPEP 2156 Required Names of Joint Research Agreement Parties Must Be Disclosed in Application MPEP 2156 Required Disclosure Required for Joint Research Agreement Subject Matter MPEP 2156 Required Definition of Joint Research Agreement MPEP 2156 Requirement for Joint Research Agreement Statement MPEP 2156 Required Joint Research Agreement Must Be In Effect Before Filing Date and Linked to Invention MPEP 2156 Required Names of Joint Research Agreement Parties Must Be Included in Application MPEP 2156 Evidence for Joint Research Agreements Not Required Without Doubt MPEP 2156 Required Requirement for Joint Research Agreements MPEP 2156 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the AIA joint research agreement provision differ from the CREATE Act? ...