M.P.E.P. 2300- 2700 Mixed Flashcards
2300
Interferences
102 (g)
Interferences
An application (including a reissue application) and a Patent (but never between two patents), to determine which inventive entity is entitled to obtain a patent covering an invention both seek to patent.
You fight over “the count” - the fought over claim
Where does interference apply?
- Anything filed before March 16, 2013
- If one claim finds support before, all claims will be treated to old law.
How does a interference begin?
There must be identical claims.
Examiner will request that they copy the claims.
Must be done within 1 year of the date of publication of the application or patent from which the claim is being copied.
What happens to the loser?
They lose the count and the count can be used as prior art against the loser.
What happens if you do not respond to a request to copy claims?
Its treated as an admission of prior art against you.
Same as losing
Two Ways to Start an Interference
- PTO requesting that you copy the claims of an application, or if applicant, copy the patent claims.
- You copy the claim, from a published application or issued patent.
- Must be within 1 year from date of issue or publishcation
Basic Requirement
One must be pending!
2400
Biotechnology
Two Things
- Deposit Requirement
- Sequence of Patent Listings
Deposit Requirement
If what you are claiming is such that words or drawings can’t adequately describe it, you are obligated to deposit at either the PTO or International Depository Authority (IDA).
2500
Maintenance Fees
When are Maintenance Fees required to be paid?
- 3.5 -> you can pay at 3 years free OR 4 years with surcharge
- 7.5 -> you can pay at 7 free OR 8 with surcharge
- 11.5 -> you can pay at 11 free OR 12 with surcharge
After the issue date.
What happens if you let a patent lapse for failure to pay maintenance fee?
It can be revived following the six-month grace period, provided the failure was unintentional.
Must be a honest mistake.
Key points
The 24 month time limit for late payment, along with the possibility of intervening rights here, have been eliminated.