What is the minimum number of prior arts which the examiner can cite under USC 103 rejection?
A Section 103 rejection can cite a single prior art reference in conjunction with the examiner’s assertion that certain claimed features not shown in the reference would be obvious design modifications. Therefore, it is possible for a claimed invention to be novel, but obvious at the same time.
What is a 112 rejection?
A Section 112 rejection in a patent Office Action means that the examiner considers certain claim language indefinite. Section 112 rejections are often regarded as “non-substantive” by patent practitioners because they typically relate to the form, and not the substance, of the claims.
What is obviousness in patent law?
Patent obviousness is the idea that if an invention is obvious to either experts or the general public, it cannot be patented. Obviousness is one of the defining factors on how to patent an idea and whether or not an idea or invention is patentable.
How quickly can you get a patent?
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), it takes about 22 months to get patent approval after going through the steps to file a patent. If you’re eligible for a prioritized examination for plant and utility patents, known as Track One, you might get approval in six to 12 months.
How hard is it to get a patent?
Since patents are legal articles, they can be somewhat difficult to obtain. Once you’ve determined precisely what you want to patent, you’ll need to do a patent search to make sure someone else hasn’t already come up with the idea. If your idea is truly new, you’ll need to fill out a hard copy or online application.
What is the pre-AIA 35 USC 103 (a) requirement?
The pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 (a) requirement “at the time the invention was made” is to avoid impermissible hindsight. See MPEP § 2145, subsection X.A. for a discussion of rebutting applicants’ arguments that a rejection is based on hindsight.
Is 35 USC 101 the only tool for determining patentability?
Examiners are reminded that 35 U.S.C. 101 is not the sole tool for determining patentability; 35 U.S.C. 112 , 35 U.S.C. 102, and 35 U.S.C. 103 will provide additional tools for ensuring that the claim meets the conditions for patentability. As the Supreme Court made clear in Bilski, 561 U.S. at 602, 95 USPQ2d at 1006:
What is the rationale to support a rejection under 35 USC 103?
The rationale to support a rejection under 35 U.S.C. 103 may rely on logic and sound scientific principle. In re Soli, 317 F.2d 941, 137 USPQ 797 (CCPA 1963). However, when an examiner relies on a scientific theory, evidentiary support for the existence and meaning of that theory must be provided.
Does section 103 of USPQ 100 include all bars to patents?
Ex parte Andresen, 212 USPQ 100, 102 (Bd. Pat. App. & Inter. 1981) (“it appears to us that the commentator [of 35 U.S.C.A.] and the [congressional] committee viewed section 103 as including all of the various bars to a patent as set forth in section 102 .”).