When should an applicant disclose information about copied claims?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30

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.

An applicant should disclose information about copied claims at a specific time during the patent application process. The MPEP 2001.06(d) states:

“37 CFR 41.202(a) requires the applicant, at the time he or she presents the claim(s), to identify the patent and the numbers of the patent claims.”

This means that the disclosure should be made concurrently with the submission of the copied or substantially copied claims in the patent application. It’s important not to delay this disclosure, as timely identification of the source patent and claim numbers is crucial for compliance with the duty of disclosure.

Topics: MPEP 2000 - Duty Of Disclosure MPEP 2001.06(D) - Information Relating To Claims Copied From A Patent Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: But For Materiality, Disclosure Individuals, Disclosure Timing, Inequitable Conduct Elements, Materiality Standard