-CITE- 35 USC TITLE 35 - PATENTS 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS -HEAD- TITLE 35 - PATENTS -MISC1- THIS TITLE WAS ENACTED BY ACT JULY 19, 1952, CH. 950, SEC. 1, 66 STAT. 792 Part Sec. I. United States Patent and Trademark Office 1 II. Patentability of Inventions and Grant of Patents 100 III. Patents and Protection of Patent Rights 251 IV. Patent Cooperation Treaty 351 AMENDMENTS 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(1)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-581, substituted "United States Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent and Trademark Office" in item I. 1984 - Pub. L. 98-622, title IV, Sec. 403(b), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3392, added item IV. TABLE SHOWING DISPOSITION OF ALL SECTIONS OF FORMER TITLE 35 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Title 35 Title 35 Former Sections New Sections -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 1 2 3 3 2 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 10 8 11 31, 32 11a 33 12 22 13 11 14 10 14a (See former Sec. 78) 15 12 16 11(a) 1 17-19 Rep. 20 14 21 21 22 Rep. 23 Rep. 31 101, 102, 161 32 102(d), 119, 172 32a, 32b Rep. 33 111, 112, 162 34 113, 114 35 115 36 131 37 133, 267 38 Rep. 39 153 40 154 40a-40d Rep. 41 151 42-42f Rep. 43 Rep. 44 152 45 266 46 147 47 261 48 Rep. 49 287 50 292 51 132, 135 52 135 53 23 54-56 24 56a 164 57 134 58, 59 Rep. 59a 141; T. 28 Sec. 1542 60 142 61 143 62 144 63 145, 146 64 251, 252 65 253 66 291 67 281, 284 68 T. 28 Sec. 1498 69 102(g), 282 70 283-286, 290 71 288 72 102, 104 72a 146, 291 73 171 74, 75 289 76 114 77 173 78 12, 13, 41 79 42 80-87 Rep. 88 254 89-96 Elim. 101-108 Elim. 109 104 110-118a Elim. 119 T. 50 App. Sec. 2371 151 181 152 182 153 183 154 184 155 185 156 186 157 187 158 188 159 Rep. -------------------------------------------------------------------- CITATION Section 1 of act July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 792, provided in part that this title may be cited as "Title 35, United States Code, section - ." SEPARABILITY Section 3 of act July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 815, provided that: "If any provision of Title 35, as enacted by section 1 hereof, is declared unconstitutional or is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this title shall not be affected." EFFECTIVE DATE; SAVINGS PROVISION Section 4 of act July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 815, provided that: "(a) This Act [enacting this title] shall take effect on January 1, 1953 and shall apply to all applications for patent filed on or after such date and to all patents granted on such applications. It shall apply to further proceedings on applications pending on such date and to patents granted on such applications except as otherwise provided. It shall apply to unexpired patents granted prior to such date except as otherwise provided. "(b) Section 102(d) of Title 35, as enacted by section 1 hereof, shall not apply to existing patents and pending applications, but the law previously in effect, namely the first paragraph of R. S. 4887 [first paragraph of section 32 of former Title 35], shall apply to such patents and applications. "(c) Section 119, second paragraph, of Title 35 as enacted by section 1 hereof shall not apply to existing patents. "(d) The period of one year specified in section 102(b) of Title 35 as enacted by section 1 hereof shall not apply in the case of applications filed before August 5, 1940, and patents granted on such applications, and with respect to such applications and patents, said period is two years instead of one year. "(e) Nothing contained in Title 35, as enacted by section 1 hereof, shall operate to nullify any judicial finding prior to the effective date of this Act on the validity of any patent by a court of competent jurisdiction. "(f) Nothing in Title 35, as enacted by section 1 hereof, shall affect any provision of the Atomic Energy Act of 1946 (Aug. 1, 1946, ch. 724, 60 Stat. 755) [Sec. 2011 et seq. of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare]. "(g) The period of one year specified in section 4 of Title 35 as enacted by section 1 hereof shall not apply in the case of applications filed before the effective date of this Act. "(h) The repeal of sections 1-9, 11, 12 of the Act of Congress approved February 1, 1952 (ch. 4, 66 Stat. 3) [sections 151 to 159 of former Title 35], shall not affect any rights or liabilities existing on the date of approval of this Act [July 19, 1952]. An order of secrecy issued under or in effect under the repealed Act and in effect on the date of approval of this Act, shall be considered as issued under this Act, and any claims arising under the repealed Act or subject to presentation and determination pursuant thereto and unsettled as of the effective date of this Act, may be presented and determined pursuant to the provisions of this Act [this title]." REPEALS Section 5 of act July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 815, repealed the sections or parts of sections of the Revised Statutes or Statutes at Large codified in this Act with the proviso that "Any rights or liabilities now existing under such sections or parts thereof shall not be affected by this repeal." -End- -CITE- 35 USC PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -HEAD- PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -MISC1- Chap. Sec. 1. Establishment, Officers and Employees, Functions 1 2. Proceedings in the Patent and Trademark Office 21 3. Practice Before Patent and Trademark Office 31 4. Patent Fees; Funding; Search Systems 41 AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(a)(4), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1904, substituted "Before" for "before" in chapter 3 heading. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(2), (3)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582, substituted "UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE" for "PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE" in part heading and "Establishment, Officers and Employees, Functions" for "Establishment, Officers, Functions" in chapter 1 heading. 1991 - Pub. L. 102-204, Sec. 5(d)(2)(D), Dec. 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 1640, substituted "before" for "Before the" in chapter 3 heading and inserted "; Funding; Search Systems" after "Fees" in chapter 4 heading. 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949, substituted "PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE" for "PATENT OFFICE" in part heading and in headings for chapters 2 and 3. -End- -CITE- 35 USC CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -MISC1- Sec. 1. Establishment. 2. Powers and duties. 3. Officers and employees. 4. Restrictions on officers and employees as to interest in patents. 5. Patent and Trademark Office Public Advisory Committees. 6. Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences. 7. Library. 8. Classification of patents. 9. Certified copies of records. 10. Publications. 11. Exchange of copies of patents and applications with foreign countries. 12. Copies of patents and applications for public libraries. 13. Annual report to Congress. [14. Renumbered 13.] AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13205(2)(D), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1903, made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(4)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-566. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(4)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582, amended analysis generally, substituting "OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES" for "OFFICERS" in chapter heading, substituting "Powers and duties" for "Seal" in item 2, adding item 5, renumbering items 7 to 14 as 6 to 13, respectively, striking out former item 6, "Duties of Commissioner", and inserting "and applications" after "patents" in items 11 and 12. Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4507(4), 4508], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-566, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13205(2)(D), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1903, which directed the insertion of "and applications" after "patents" in items 11 and 12, effective 1 year after Nov. 29, 1999, was not executed in either item to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See above. 1984 - Pub. L. 98-622, title II, Sec. 201(b), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3386, substituted "Patent Appeals and Interferences" for "Appeals" in item 7. 1972 - Pub. L. 92-310, title II, Sec. 208(b), June 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 203, struck out item 5 "Bond of Commissioner and other officers". -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 1 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 1. Establishment -STATUTE- (a) Establishment. - The United States Patent and Trademark Office is established as an agency of the United States, within the Department of Commerce. In carrying out its functions, the United States Patent and Trademark Office shall be subject to the policy direction of the Secretary of Commerce, but otherwise shall retain responsibility for decisions regarding the management and administration of its operations and shall exercise independent control of its budget allocations and expenditures, personnel decisions and processes, procurements, and other administrative and management functions in accordance with this title and applicable provisions of law. Those operations designed to grant and issue patents and those operations which are designed to facilitate the registration of trademarks shall be treated as separate operating units within the Office. (b) Offices. - The United States Patent and Trademark Office shall maintain its principal office in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area, for the service of process and papers and for the purpose of carrying out its functions. The United States Patent and Trademark Office shall be deemed, for purposes of venue in civil actions, to be a resident of the district in which its principal office is located, except where jurisdiction is otherwise provided by law. The United States Patent and Trademark Office may establish satellite offices in such other places in the United States as it considers necessary and appropriate in the conduct of its business. (c) Reference. - For purposes of this title, the United States Patent and Trademark Office shall also be referred to as the "Office" and the "Patent and Trademark Office". -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 792; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4711], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-572.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 1 (R.S. 475 and Executive Order 4175, Mar. 17, 1925). The word "all" is omitted from the corresponding section of the existing statute and "except as otherwise provided by law" added, since some old records are kept in the National Archives, see 44 U.S.C., 1946 ed., ch. 8A. The word "models" has been omitted to remove emphasis on models since they are no longer generally required. They are included by the word "things." The phrase "and to trade-mark registrations" is added. There is no enactment corresponding to this section in the trade-mark law. The original chapter of the Revised Statutes containing this section deals with the Patent Office as such in its administration of trade-marks as well as patents. This is explicitly brought out in some of the corresponding sections of the present chapter. Changes in language are made. AMENDMENTS 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113 reenacted section catchline without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Patent and Trademark Office shall continue as an office in the Department of Commerce, where records, books, drawings, specifications, and other papers and things pertaining to patents and to trademark registrations shall be kept and preserved, except as otherwise provided by law." 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". -CHANGE- CHANGE OF NAME Section 3 of Pub. L. 93-596 provided that: "The terms 'Patent Office' and 'Commissioner of Patents' in all laws of the United States shall mean 'Patent and Trademark Office' and 'Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks', respectively." -MISC2- EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, subtitle G, Sec. 4731], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-581, provided that: "This subtitle [see Tables for classification] and the amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect 4 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999]." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. SHORT TITLE OF 2004 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 108-453, Sec. 1, Dec. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 3596, provided that: "This Act [amending section 103 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 103 of this title] may be cited as the 'Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) Act of 2004'." SHORT TITLE OF 2002 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13201, Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1901, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle B (Secs. 13201- 13211) of title III of div. C of Pub. L. 107-273, see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Intellectual Property and High Technology Technical Amendments Act of 2002'." SHORT TITLE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [Sec. 1(a)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-521, provided that: "This Act [S. 1948, as enacted by section 1000(a)(9) of Pub. L. 106-113, see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Intellectual Property and Communications Omnibus Reform Act of 1999'." Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4001], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-552, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'American Inventors Protection Act of 1999'." Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, subtitle A, Sec. 4101], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-552, provided that: "This subtitle [enacting section 297 of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 297 of this title] may be cited as the 'Inventors' Rights Act of 1999'." Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, subtitle B, Sec. 4201], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-554, provided that: "This subtitle [amending sections 41 and 42 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 41 of this title and section 1113 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade] may be cited as the 'Patent and Trademark Fee Fairness Act of 1999'." Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, subtitle C, Sec. 4301], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-555, provided that: "This subtitle [enacting section 273 of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 273 of this title] may be cited as the 'First Inventor Defense Act of 1999'." Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, subtitle D, Sec. 4401], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-557, provided that: "This subtitle [amending sections 132, 154, 156, and 282 of this title and section 1295 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 132 and 154 of this title] may be cited as the 'Patent Term Guarantee Act of 1999'." Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, subtitle E, Sec. 4501], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-561, provided that: "This subtitle [amending sections 11 to 13, 102, 119, 120, 122, 135, 154, 181, 252, 284, and 374 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 11, 41, and 122 of this title] may be cited as the 'Domestic Publication of Foreign Filed Patent Applications Act of 1999'." Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, subtitle F, Sec. 4601], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-567, provided that: "This subtitle [enacting chapter 31 of this title, amending sections 41, 100, 134, 141, 143, and 145 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 41, 311, and 315 of this title] may be cited as the 'Optional Inter Partes Reexamination Procedure Act of 1999'." Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, subtitle G, Sec. 4701], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-572, provided that: "This subtitle [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act'." SHORT TITLE OF 1998 AMENDMENTS Pub. L. 105-358, Sec. 1, Nov. 10, 1998, 112 Stat. 3272, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 41 and 42 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 41 of this title] may be cited as the 'United States Patent and Trademark Office Reauthorization Act, Fiscal Year 1999'." Pub. L. 105-289, Sec. 1, Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2780, provided that: "This Act [amending section 163 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 41 and 163 of this title] may be cited as the 'Plant Patent Amendments Act of 1998'." SHORT TITLE OF 1988 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 100-418, Sec. 9001, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1563, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle A (Secs. 9001-9007) of title IX of Pub. L. 100-418, enacting section 295 of this title, amending sections 154, 271, and 287 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 271 of this title] may be cited as the 'Process Patent Amendments Act of 1988'." Pub. L. 100-418, title IX, Sec. 9101(a), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1567, provided that: "This section [amending sections 184 to 186 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 184 of this title] may be cited as the 'Patent Law Foreign Filing Amendments Act of 1988'." SHORT TITLE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 98-622, Sec. 1, Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3383, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 157 of this title, amending sections 3, 7, 41, 103, 104, 116, 120, 134, 135, 141, 145, 146, 271, 305, 351, 361, 362, 365 to 368, 371 to 373, and 376 of this title, section 1295 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, and sections 2182 and 2457 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 7, 41, 103, 157, and 351 of this title] may be cited as the 'Patent Law Amendments Act of 1984'." TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS AND ASSETS OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, subtitle G, chapter 3], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-585, provided that: "SEC. 4741. REFERENCES. "(a) In General. - Any reference in any other Federal law, Executive order, rule, regulation, or delegation of authority, or any document of or pertaining to a department or office from which a function is transferred by this subtitle [see Tables for classification] - "(1) to the head of such department or office is deemed to refer to the head of the department or office to which such function is transferred; or "(2) to such department or office is deemed to refer to the department or office to which such function is transferred. "(b) Specific References. - Any reference in any other Federal law, Executive order, rule, regulation, or delegation of authority, or any document of or pertaining to the Patent and Trademark Office - "(1) to the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks is deemed to refer to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office; "(2) to the Assistant Commissioner for Patents is deemed to refer to the Commissioner for Patents; or "(3) to the Assistant Commissioner for Trademarks is deemed to refer to the Commissioner for Trademarks. "SEC. 4742. EXERCISE OF AUTHORITIES. "Except as otherwise provided by law, a Federal official to whom a function is transferred by this subtitle may, for purposes of performing the function, exercise all authorities under any other provision of law that were available with respect to the performance of that function to the official responsible for the performance of the function immediately before the effective date of the transfer of the function under this subtitle. "SEC. 4743. SAVINGS PROVISIONS. "(a) Legal Documents. - All orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, grants, loans, contracts, agreements, certificates, licenses, and privileges - "(1) that have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to become effective by the President, the Secretary of Commerce, any officer or employee of any office transferred by this subtitle, or any other Government official, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, in the performance of any function that is transferred by this subtitle; and "(2) that are in effect on the effective date of such transfer (or become effective after such date pursuant to their terms as in effect on such effective date), shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked in accordance with law by the President, any other authorized official, a court of competent jurisdiction, or operation of law. "(b) Proceedings. - This subtitle shall not affect any proceedings or any application for any benefits, service, license, permit, certificate, or financial assistance pending on the effective date of this subtitle [see Effective Date of 1999 Amendment note above] before an office transferred by this subtitle, but such proceedings and applications shall be continued. Orders shall be issued in such proceedings, appeals shall be taken therefrom, and payments shall be made pursuant to such orders, as if this subtitle had not been enacted, and orders issued in any such proceeding shall continue in effect until modified, terminated, superseded, or revoked by a duly authorized official, by a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law. Nothing in this subsection shall be considered to prohibit the discontinuance or modification of any such proceeding under the same terms and conditions and to the same extent that such proceeding could have been discontinued or modified if this subtitle had not been enacted. "(c) Suits. - This subtitle shall not affect suits commenced before the effective date of this subtitle, and in all such suits, proceedings shall be had, appeals taken, and judgments rendered in the same manner and with the same effect as if this subtitle had not been enacted. "(d) Nonabatement of Actions. - No suit, action, or other proceeding commenced by or against the Department of Commerce or the Secretary of Commerce, or by or against any individual in the official capacity of such individual as an officer or employee of an office transferred by this subtitle, shall abate by reason of the enactment of this subtitle. "(e) Continuance of Suits. - If any Government officer in the official capacity of such officer is party to a suit with respect to a function of the officer, and under this subtitle such function is transferred to any other officer or office, then such suit shall be continued with the other officer or the head of such other office, as applicable, substituted or added as a party. "(f) Administrative Procedure and Judicial Review. - Except as otherwise provided by this subtitle, any statutory requirements relating to notice, hearings, action upon the record, or administrative or judicial review that apply to any function transferred by this subtitle shall apply to the exercise of such function by the head of the Federal agency, and other officers of the agency, to which such function is transferred by this subtitle. "SEC. 4744. TRANSFER OF ASSETS. "Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, so much of the personnel, property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds employed, used, held, available, or to be made available in connection with a function transferred to an official or agency by this subtitle shall be available to the official or the head of that agency, respectively, at such time or times as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget directs for use in connection with the functions transferred. "SEC. 4745. DELEGATION AND ASSIGNMENT. "Except as otherwise expressly prohibited by law or otherwise provided in this subtitle, an official to whom functions are transferred under this subtitle (including the head of any office to which functions are transferred under this subtitle) may delegate any of the functions so transferred to such officers and employees of the office of the official as the official may designate, and may authorize successive redelegations of such functions as may be necessary or appropriate. No delegation of functions under this section or under any other provision of this subtitle shall relieve the official to whom a function is transferred under this subtitle of responsibility for the administration of the function. "SEC. 4746. AUTHORITY OF DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET WITH RESPECT TO FUNCTIONS TRANSFERRED. "(a) Determinations. - If necessary, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall make any determination of the functions that are transferred under this subtitle. "(b) Incidental Transfers. - The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, at such time or times as the Director shall provide, may make such determinations as may be necessary with regard to the functions transferred by this subtitle, and to make such additional incidental dispositions of personnel, assets, liabilities, grants, contracts, property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, authorizations, allocations, and other funds held, used, arising from, available to, or to be made available in connection with such functions, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle. The Director shall provide for the termination of the affairs of all entities terminated by this subtitle and for such further measures and dispositions as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this subtitle. "SEC. 4747. CERTAIN VESTING OF FUNCTIONS CONSIDERED TRANSFERS. "For purposes of this subtitle, the vesting of a function in a department or office pursuant to reestablishment of an office shall be considered to be the transfer of the function. "SEC. 4748. AVAILABILITY OF EXISTING FUNDS. "Existing appropriations and funds available for the performance of functions, programs, and activities terminated pursuant to this subtitle shall remain available, for the duration of their period of availability, for necessary expenses in connection with the termination and resolution of such functions, programs, and activities, subject to the submission of a plan to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 605 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999, as contained in Public Law 105-277 [112 Stat. 2681-111]. "SEC. 4749. DEFINITIONS. "For purposes of this subtitle - "(1) the term 'function' includes any duty, obligation, power, authority, responsibility, right, privilege, activity, or program; and "(2) the term 'office' includes any office, administration, agency, bureau, institute, council, unit, organizational entity, or component thereof." FEDERAL AGENCY STATUS FOR PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE Pub. L. 101-508, title X, Sec. 10102, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388-392, provided that: "For the purposes of Federal law, the Patent and Trademark Office shall be considered a Federal agency. In particular, the Patent and Trademark Office shall be subject to all Federal laws pertaining to the procurement of goods and services that would apply to a Federal agency using appropriated funds, including the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 [now chapters 1 to 11 of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, and title III of the Act of June 30, 1949 (41 U.S.C. 251 et seq.)] and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act [41 U.S.C. 401 et seq.]." -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 2 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 2. Powers and duties -STATUTE- (a) In General. - The United States Patent and Trademark Office, subject to the policy direction of the Secretary of Commerce - (1) shall be responsible for the granting and issuing of patents and the registration of trademarks; and (2) shall be responsible for disseminating to the public information with respect to patents and trademarks. (b) Specific Powers. - The Office - (1) shall adopt and use a seal of the Office, which shall be judicially noticed and with which letters patent, certificates of trademark registrations, and papers issued by the Office shall be authenticated; (2) may establish regulations, not inconsistent with law, which - (A) shall govern the conduct of proceedings in the Office; (B) shall be made in accordance with section 553 of title 5; (C) shall facilitate and expedite the processing of patent applications, particularly those which can be filed, stored, processed, searched, and retrieved electronically, subject to the provisions of section 122 relating to the confidential status of applications; (D) may govern the recognition and conduct of agents, attorneys, or other persons representing applicants or other parties before the Office, and may require them, before being recognized as representatives of applicants or other persons, to show that they are of good moral character and reputation and are possessed of the necessary qualifications to render to applicants or other persons valuable service, advice, and assistance in the presentation or prosecution of their applications or other business before the Office; (E) shall recognize the public interest in continuing to safeguard broad access to the United States patent system through the reduced fee structure for small entities under section 41(h)(1) of this title; and (F) provide for the development of a performance-based process that includes quantitative and qualitative measures and standards for evaluating cost-effectiveness and is consistent with the principles of impartiality and competitiveness; (3) may acquire, construct, purchase, lease, hold, manage, operate, improve, alter, and renovate any real, personal, or mixed property, or any interest therein, as it considers necessary to carry out its functions; (4)(A) may make such purchases, contracts for the construction, maintenance, or management and operation of facilities, and contracts for supplies or services, without regard to the provisions of subtitle I and chapter 33 of title 40, title III of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 251 et seq.), and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11301 et seq.); and (B) may enter into and perform such purchases and contracts for printing services, including the process of composition, platemaking, presswork, silk screen processes, binding, microform, and the products of such processes, as it considers necessary to carry out the functions of the Office, without regard to sections 501 through 517 and 1101 through 1123 of title 44; (5) may use, with their consent, services, equipment, personnel, and facilities of other departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government, on a reimbursable basis, and cooperate with such other departments, agencies, and instrumentalities in the establishment and use of services, equipment, and facilities of the Office; (6) may, when the Director determines that it is practicable, efficient, and cost-effective to do so, use, with the consent of the United States and the agency, instrumentality, Patent and Trademark Office, or international organization concerned, the services, records, facilities, or personnel of any State or local government agency or instrumentality or foreign patent and trademark office or international organization to perform functions on its behalf; (7) may retain and use all of its revenues and receipts, including revenues from the sale, lease, or disposal of any real, personal, or mixed property, or any interest therein, of the Office; (8) shall advise the President, through the Secretary of Commerce, on national and certain international intellectual property policy issues; (9) shall advise Federal departments and agencies on matters of intellectual property policy in the United States and intellectual property protection in other countries; (10) shall provide guidance, as appropriate, with respect to proposals by agencies to assist foreign governments and international intergovernmental organizations on matters of intellectual property protection; (11) may conduct programs, studies, or exchanges of items or services regarding domestic and international intellectual property law and the effectiveness of intellectual property protection domestically and throughout the world; (12)(A) shall advise the Secretary of Commerce on programs and studies relating to intellectual property policy that are conducted, or authorized to be conducted, cooperatively with foreign intellectual property offices and international intergovernmental organizations; and (B) may conduct programs and studies described in subparagraph (A); and (13)(A) in coordination with the Department of State, may conduct programs and studies cooperatively with foreign intellectual property offices and international intergovernmental organizations; and (B) with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, may authorize the transfer of not to exceed $100,000 in any year to the Department of State for the purpose of making special payments to international intergovernmental organizations for studies and programs for advancing international cooperation concerning patents, trademarks, and other matters. (c) Clarification of Specific Powers. - (1) The special payments under subsection (b)(13)(B) shall be in addition to any other payments or contributions to international organizations described in subsection (b)(13)(B) and shall not be subject to any limitations imposed by law on the amounts of such other payments or contributions by the United States Government. (2) Nothing in subsection (b) shall derogate from the duties of the Secretary of State or from the duties of the United States Trade Representative as set forth in section 141 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2171). (3) Nothing in subsection (b) shall derogate from the duties and functions of the Register of Copyrights or otherwise alter current authorities relating to copyright matters. (4) In exercising the Director's powers under paragraphs (3) and (4)(A) of subsection (b), the Director shall consult with the Administrator of General Services. (5) In exercising the Director's powers and duties under this section, the Director shall consult with the Register of Copyrights on all copyright and related matters. (d) Construction. - Nothing in this section shall be construed to nullify, void, cancel, or interrupt any pending request-for- proposal let or contract issued by the General Services Administration for the specific purpose of relocating or leasing space to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 792; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4712], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-572; Pub. L. 106-400, Sec. 2, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1675; Pub. L. 107- 273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(a)(1), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1904; Pub. L. 108-178, Sec. 4(g), Dec. 15, 2003, 117 Stat. 2641.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 3 (R.S. 478). "Certificates of trade-mark registrations" is added, see note under section 1. Changes in language are made and the specific date eliminated. -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT The Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, referred to in subsec. (b)(4)(A), is act June 30, 1949, ch. 288, 63 Stat. 377, as amended. Title III of the Act is classified generally to subchapter IV (Sec. 251 et seq.) of chapter 4 of Title 41, Public Contracts. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(4)(A), is Pub. L. 100-77, July 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 482, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 119 (Sec. 11301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 11301 of Title 42 and Tables. -MISC2- AMENDMENTS 2003 - Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 108-178 substituted "subtitle I and chapter 33 of title 40, title III of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 251 et seq.)," for "the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.), the Public Buildings Act (40 U.S.C. 601 et seq.),". 2002 - Subsec. (b)(2)(B), (4)(B). Pub. L. 107-273 struck out ", United States Code" before semicolon at end. 2000 - Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 106-400 substituted "McKinney- Vento Homeless Assistance Act" for "Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act". 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113 amended section catchline and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Patent and Trademark Office shall have a seal with which letters patent, certificates of trade-mark registrations, and papers issued from the Office shall be authenticated." 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2003 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 108-178 effective Aug. 21, 2002, see section 5 of Pub. L. 108-178, set out as a note under section 5334 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. ELECTRONIC FILING AND PROCESSING OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK APPLICATIONS Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13103, Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1899, provided that: "(a) Electronic Filing and Processing. - The Director [of the Patent and Trademark Office] shall, beginning not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 2, 2002], and during the 3-year period thereafter, develop an electronic system for the filing and processing of patent and trademark applications, that - "(1) is user friendly; and "(2) includes the necessary infrastructure - "(A) to allow examiners and applicants to send all communications electronically; and "(B) to allow the Office to process, maintain, and search electronically the contents and history of each application. "(b) Authorization of Appropriations. - Of amounts authorized under section 13102 [set out as a note under section 42 of this title], there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (a) of this section not more than $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2003, 2004, and 2005. Amounts made available pursuant to this subsection shall remain available until expended." -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 3 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 3. Officers and employees -STATUTE- (a) Under Secretary and Director. - (1) In general. - The powers and duties of the United States Patent and Trademark Office shall be vested in an Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (in this title referred to as the "Director"), who shall be a citizen of the United States and who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Director shall be a person who has a professional background and experience in patent or trademark law. (2) Duties. - (A) In general. - The Director shall be responsible for providing policy direction and management supervision for the Office and for the issuance of patents and the registration of trademarks. The Director shall perform these duties in a fair, impartial, and equitable manner. (B) Consulting with the public advisory committees. - The Director shall consult with the Patent Public Advisory Committee established in section 5 on a regular basis on matters relating to the patent operations of the Office, shall consult with the Trademark Public Advisory Committee established in section 5 on a regular basis on matters relating to the trademark operations of the Office, and shall consult with the respective Public Advisory Committee before submitting budgetary proposals to the Office of Management and Budget or changing or proposing to change patent or trademark user fees or patent or trademark regulations which are subject to the requirement to provide notice and opportunity for public comment under section 553 of title 5, as the case may be. (3) Oath. - The Director shall, before taking office, take an oath to discharge faithfully the duties of the Office. (4) Removal. - The Director may be removed from office by the President. The President shall provide notification of any such removal to both Houses of Congress. (b) Officers and Employees of the Office. - (1) Deputy under secretary and deputy director. - The Secretary of Commerce, upon nomination by the Director, shall appoint a Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office who shall be vested with the authority to act in the capacity of the Director in the event of the absence or incapacity of the Director. The Deputy Director shall be a citizen of the United States who has a professional background and experience in patent or trademark law. (2) Commissioners. - (A) Appointment and duties. - The Secretary of Commerce shall appoint a Commissioner for Patents and a Commissioner for Trademarks, without regard to chapter 33, 51, or 53 of title 5. The Commissioner for Patents shall be a citizen of the United States with demonstrated management ability and professional background and experience in patent law and serve for a term of 5 years. The Commissioner for Trademarks shall be a citizen of the United States with demonstrated management ability and professional background and experience in trademark law and serve for a term of 5 years. The Commissioner for Patents and the Commissioner for Trademarks shall serve as the chief operating officers for the operations of the Office relating to patents and trademarks, respectively, and shall be responsible for the management and direction of all aspects of the activities of the Office that affect the administration of patent and trademark operations, respectively. The Secretary may reappoint a Commissioner to subsequent terms of 5 years as long as the performance of the Commissioner as set forth in the performance agreement in subparagraph (B) is satisfactory. (B) Salary and performance agreement. - The Commissioners shall be paid an annual rate of basic pay not to exceed the maximum rate of basic pay for the Senior Executive Service established under section 5382 of title 5, including any applicable locality-based comparability payment that may be authorized under section 5304(h)(2)(C) of title 5. The compensation of the Commissioners shall be considered, for purposes of section 207(c)(2)(A) of title 18, to be the equivalent of that described under clause (ii) of section 207(c)(2)(A) of title 18. In addition, the Commissioners may receive a bonus in an amount of up to, but not in excess of, 50 percent of the Commissioners' annual rate of basic pay, based upon an evaluation by the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Director, of the Commissioners' performance as defined in an annual performance agreement between the Commissioners and the Secretary. The annual performance agreements shall incorporate measurable organization and individual goals in key operational areas as delineated in an annual performance plan agreed to by the Commissioners and the Secretary. Payment of a bonus under this subparagraph may be made to the Commissioners only to the extent that such payment does not cause the Commissioners' total aggregate compensation in a calendar year to equal or exceed the amount of the salary of the Vice President under section 104 of title 3. (C) Removal. - The Commissioners may be removed from office by the Secretary for misconduct or nonsatisfactory performance under the performance agreement described in subparagraph (B), without regard to the provisions of title 5. The Secretary shall provide notification of any such removal to both Houses of Congress. (3) Other officers and employees. - The Director shall - (A) appoint such officers, employees (including attorneys), and agents of the Office as the Director considers necessary to carry out the functions of the Office; and (B) define the title, authority, and duties of such officers and employees and delegate to them such of the powers vested in the Office as the Director may determine. The Office shall not be subject to any administratively or statutorily imposed limitation on positions or personnel, and no positions or personnel of the Office shall be taken into account for purposes of applying any such limitation. (4) Training of examiners. - The Office shall submit to the Congress a proposal to provide an incentive program to retain as employees patent and trademark examiners of the primary examiner grade or higher who are eligible for retirement, for the sole purpose of training patent and trademark examiners. (5) National security positions. - The Director, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall maintain a program for identifying national security positions and providing for appropriate security clearances, in order to maintain the secrecy of certain inventions, as described in section 181, and to prevent disclosure of sensitive and strategic information in the interest of national security. (c) Continued Applicability of Title 5. - Officers and employees of the Office shall be subject to the provisions of title 5, relating to Federal employees. (d) Adoption of Existing Labor Agreements. - The Office shall adopt all labor agreements which are in effect, as of the day before the effective date of the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act, with respect to such Office (as then in effect). (e) Carryover of Personnel. - (1) From pto. - Effective as of the effective date of the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act, all officers and employees of the Patent and Trademark Office on the day before such effective date shall become officers and employees of the Office, without a break in service. (2) Other personnel. - Any individual who, on the day before the effective date of the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act, is an officer or employee of the Department of Commerce (other than an officer or employee under paragraph (1)) shall be transferred to the Office, as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act,(!1) if - (A) such individual serves in a position for which a major function is the performance of work reimbursed by the Patent and Trademark Office, as determined by the Secretary of Commerce; (B) such individual serves in a position that performed work in support of the Patent and Trademark Office during at least half of the incumbent's work time, as determined by the Secretary of Commerce; or (C) such transfer would be in the interest of the Office, as determined by the Secretary of Commerce in consultation with the Director. Any transfer under this paragraph shall be effective as of the same effective date as referred to in paragraph (1), and shall be made without a break in service. (f) Transition Provisions. - (1) Interim appointment of director. - On or after the effective date of the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act, the President shall appoint an individual to serve as the Director until the date on which a Director qualifies under subsection (a). The President shall not make more than one such appointment under this subsection. (2) Continuation in office of certain officers. - (A) The individual serving as the Assistant Commissioner for Patents on the day before the effective date of the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act may serve as the Commissioner for Patents until the date on which a Commissioner for Patents is appointed under subsection (b). (B) The individual serving as the Assistant Commissioner for Trademarks on the day before the effective date of the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act may serve as the Commissioner for Trademarks until the date on which a Commissioner for Trademarks is appointed under subsection (b). -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 792; Pub. L. 85-933, Sec. 1, Sept. 6, 1958, 72 Stat. 1793; Pub. L. 86-370, Sec. 1(a), Sept. 23, 1959, 73 Stat. 650; Pub. L. 88-426, title III, Sec. 305(26), Aug. 14, 1964, 78 Stat. 425; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 93-601, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1956; Pub. L. 97-247, Sec. 4, Aug. 27, 1982, 96 Stat. 319; Pub. L. 97- 366, Sec. 4, Oct. 25, 1982, 96 Stat. 1760; Pub. L. 98-622, title IV, Sec. 405, Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3392; Pub. L. 105-304, title IV, Sec. 401(a)(1), Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2887; Pub. L. 106-44, Sec. 2(c), Aug. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 223; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4713], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-575; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(a)(2), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1904.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 2 (R.S. 476, amended (1) Feb. 15, 1916, ch. 22, Sec. 1, 39 Stat. 8, (2) Feb. 14, 1927, ch. 139, Sec. 1, 44 Stat. 1098, (3) Apr. 11, 1930, ch. 132, Sec. 1, 46 Stat. 155). The temporary designation of the assistant commissioner as Commissioner in case of a vacancy in office is added. This will eliminate complications since present applicable general statutes (5 U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 7) permit a vacancy to be temporarily filled only for not more than 30 days. Changes in language are made. "Assistant commissioners" is used in the second sentence (and elsewhere in the bill) as referring to all three assistants. This entire title is subject to Reorganization Plan No. 5 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1263) which vests all functions of the Patent Office in the Secretary of Commerce and authorizes delegation by him. It has been found impractical to so word the various sections of the title, and a general provision has been inserted as the second paragraph of this section of the bill, leaving the wording of various sections of the title in terms of officers previously specified and to whom the functions presently stand delegated. -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT For the effective date of the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act, referred to in subsecs. (d) to (f), as 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1009(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as an Effective Date of 1999 Amendment note under section 1 of this title. -MISC2- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(a)(2)(A), struck out "United States Code," after "title 5,". Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(a)(2)(B)(i), struck out ", United States Code" after "title 5". Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(a)(2)(B)(ii)-(iv), in first sentence, struck out "United States Code," after "section 5382 of title 5," and ", United States Code" after "section 5304(h)(2)(C) of title 5", in second sentence, struck out "United States Code," after "for purposes of section 207(c)(2)(A) of title 18," and ", United States Code" after "clause (ii) of section 207(c)(2)(A) of title 18", and in last sentence, struck out ", United States Code" after "title 3". Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(a)(2)(B)(v), struck out ", United States Code" after "title 5". Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(a)(2)(C), in heading, struck out ", United States Code" before period at end, and in text, struck out "United States Code," after "title 5,". 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113 reenacted section catchline without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "(a) There shall be in the Patent and Trademark Office a Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, a Deputy Commissioner, two Assistant Commissioners, and examiners-in-chief appointed under section 7 of this title. The Deputy Commissioner, or, in the event of a vacancy in that office, the Assistant Commissioner senior in date of appointment shall fill the office of Commissioner during a vacancy in that office until the Commissioner is appointed and takes office. The Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, the Deputy Commissioner, and the Assistant Commissioners shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Secretary of Commerce, upon the nomination of the Commissioner, in accordance with law shall appoint all other officers and employees. "(b) The Secretary of Commerce may vest in himself the functions of the Patent and Trademark Office and its officers and employees specified in this title and may from time to time authorize their performance by any other officer or employee. "(c) The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to fix the per annum rate of basic compensation of each examiner-in-chief in the Patent and Trademark Office at not in excess of the maximum scheduled rate provided for positions in grade 17 of the General Schedule of the Classification Act of 1949, as amended. "(d) The Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks shall be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce and shall receive compensation at the rate in effect for level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5, United States Code. "(e) The members of the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the Patent and Trademark Office shall each be paid at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate of basic pay payable for GS-16 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5." Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106-44 struck out ", United States Code" after "title 5". 1998 - Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105-304 substituted "in effect for level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5, United States Code" for "prescribed by law for Assistant Secretaries of Commerce". 1984 - Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98-622 added subsec. (e). 1982 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97-247 struck out "not more than fifteen" after "two Assistant Commissioners, and", and inserted "appointed under section 7 of this title" after "examiners-in- chief". Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97-366 added subsec. (d). 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office", and "Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks" for "Commissioner of Patents", wherever appearing. Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93-601 designated first par. as subsec. (a), redesignated first assistant commissioner as a Deputy Commissioner, granted authority for appointment of not more than fifteen examiners-in-chief to Secretary of Commerce instead of the President, and struck out provision relating to performance by assistant commissioners of duties assigned by Commissioner. Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 93-601 designated second and third pars. as subsecs. (b) and (c), respectively. 1964 - Pub. L. 88-426 repealed provisions which prescribed annual rate of compensation of Commissioner. 1959 - Pub. L. 86-370 authorized Secretary of Commerce to fix compensation of examiners-in-chief. 1958 - Pub. L. 85-933 increased number of examiners-in-chief from nine to not more than fifteen and specified annual compensation of Commissioner. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Section 406(b) of Pub. L. 98-622 provided that: "The amendments made by sections 401, 402, and 405 of this Act [amending this section and sections 361, 366, 371, 372, and 376 of this title] shall take effect six months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1984]." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-247 effective Aug. 27, 1982, see section 17(a) of Pub. L. 97-247, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENTS Section 4(b) of Pub. L. 93-601 provided that: "This Act [amending this section and sections 7 and 151 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 151 of this title] shall be effective upon enactment [Jan. 2, 1975]. Examiners-in-chief in office on the date of enactment shall continue in office under and in accordance with their then existing appointments." Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1964 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 88-426 effective on first day of first pay period which begins on or after July 1, 1964, except to the extent provided in section 501(c) of Pub. L. 88-426, see section 501 of Pub. L. 88-426. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1959 AMENDMENT Section 7(b) of Pub. L. 86-370 provided that: "Sections 1 [amending this section, section 7 of this title, and provisions set out as a note below], 3 [amending sections 2205 and 2208 of former Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees], and 6 [amending section 1082 of former Title 5 and section 903 of Title 20, Education] of this Act shall become effective on the first day of the first pay period which begins after the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 23, 1959]." Such section 7(b) was repealed by Pub. L. 89-554, Sec. 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 660. REFERENCES IN OTHER LAWS TO GS-16, 17, OR 18 PAY RATES References in laws to the rates of pay for GS-16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, Sec. 101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101-509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5. EXISTING POSITIONS, COMPENSATION, AND APPOINTMENTS UNAFFECTED BY PUB. L. 86-370 UNTIL ACTION TAKEN UNDER AMENDMENTS Section 1(c) of Pub. L. 86-370 provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending sections 1 and 7 of this title] shall not affect - "(1) any position of examiner-in-chief or designated examiner- in-chief existing immediately prior to the effective date of this section [see Effective Date of 1959 Amendment note set out above], or "(2) any incumbent of any such position, his appointment thereto, his rate of compensation, or his right to receive such compensation, until appropriate action is taken under authority of such amendments." -FOOTNOTE- (!1) So in original. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 4 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 4. Restrictions on officers and employees as to interest in patents -STATUTE- Officers and employees of the Patent and Trademark Office shall be incapable, during the period of their appointments and for one year thereafter, of applying for a patent and of acquiring, directly or indirectly, except by inheritance or bequest, any patent or any right or interest in any patent, issued or to be issued by the Office. In patents applied for thereafter they shall not be entitled to any priority date earlier than one year after the termination of their appointment. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 793; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 4 (R.S. 480). The language is revised and inability to apply for a patent, included in the original language, is made explicit. The period of disability is increased to include one year after leaving the Office. The further restriction, that no priority date earlier than one year after leaving the Office can be claimed, is added. The one year period is made inapplicable to applications which may be pending when the revised title goes into effect by section 4(g) of the bill. AMENDMENTS 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 5 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 5. Patent and Trademark Office Public Advisory Committees -STATUTE- (a) Establishment of Public Advisory Committees. - (1) Appointment. - The United States Patent and Trademark Office shall have a Patent Public Advisory Committee and a Trademark Public Advisory Committee, each of which shall have nine voting members who shall be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary of Commerce. Members of each Public Advisory Committee shall be appointed for a term of 3 years, except that of the members first appointed, three shall be appointed for a term of 1 year, and three shall be appointed for a term of 2 years. In making appointments to each Committee, the Secretary of Commerce shall consider the risk of loss of competitive advantage in international commerce or other harm to United States companies as a result of such appointments. (2) Chair. - The Secretary shall designate a chair of each Advisory Committee, whose term as chair shall be for 3 years. (3) Timing of appointments. - Initial appointments to each Advisory Committee shall be made within 3 months after the effective date of the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act. Vacancies shall be filled within 3 months after they occur. (b) Basis for Appointments. - Members of each Advisory Committee - (1) shall be citizens of the United States who shall be chosen so as to represent the interests of diverse users of the United States Patent and Trademark Office with respect to patents, in the case of the Patent Public Advisory Committee, and with respect to trademarks, in the case of the Trademark Public Advisory Committee; (2) shall include members who represent small and large entity applicants located in the United States in proportion to the number of applications filed by such applicants, but in no case shall members who represent small entity patent applicants, including small business concerns, independent inventors, and nonprofit organizations, constitute less than 25 percent of the members of the Patent Public Advisory Committee, and such members shall include at least one independent inventor; and (3) shall include individuals with substantial background and achievement in finance, management, labor relations, science, technology, and office automation. In addition to the voting members, each Advisory Committee shall include a representative of each labor organization recognized by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Such representatives shall be nonvoting members of the Advisory Committee to which they are appointed. (c) Meetings. - Each Advisory Committee shall meet at the call of the chair to consider an agenda set by the chair. (d) Duties. - Each Advisory Committee shall - (1) review the policies, goals, performance, budget, and user fees of the United States Patent and Trademark Office with respect to patents, in the case of the Patent Public Advisory Committee, and with respect to Trademarks, in the case of the Trademark Public Advisory Committee, and advise the Director on these matters; (2) within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year - (A) prepare an annual report on the matters referred to in paragraph (1); (B) transmit the report to the Secretary of Commerce, the President, and the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and the House of Representatives; and (C) publish the report in the Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. (e) Compensation. - Each member of each Advisory Committee shall be compensated for each day (including travel time) during which such member is attending meetings or conferences of that Advisory Committee or otherwise engaged in the business of that Advisory Committee, at the rate which is the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay in effect for level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5. While away from such member's home or regular place of business such member shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5. (f) Access to Information. - Members of each Advisory Committee shall be provided access to records and information in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, except for personnel or other privileged information and information concerning patent applications required to be kept in confidence by section 122. (g) Applicability of Certain Ethics Laws. - Members of each Advisory Committee shall be special Government employees within the meaning of section 202 of title 18. (h) Inapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act. - The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to each Advisory Committee. (i) Open Meetings. - The meetings of each Advisory Committee shall be open to the public, except that each Advisory Committee may by majority vote meet in executive session when considering personnel, privileged, or other confidential information. (j) Inapplicability of Patent Prohibition. - Section 4 shall not apply to voting members of the Advisory Committees. -SOURCE- (Added Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4714], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-578; amended Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Secs. 13203(b), 13206(a)(3), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1902, 1904.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT For the effective date of the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), as 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1009(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as an Effective Date of 1999 Amendment note under section 1 of this title. The Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (h), is Pub. L. 92-463, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 770, as amended, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. -MISC1- PRIOR PROVISIONS A prior section 5, act July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 793, related to bond of Commissioner and other officers, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 92-310, title II, Sec. 208(a), June 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 203. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(a)(3), struck out ", United States Code" after "title 5" in two places. Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(a)(3), struck out ", United States Code" after "title 18". Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13203(b)(1), inserted ", privileged," after "personnel". Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13203(b)(2), added subsec. (j). EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as an Effective Date of 1999 Amendment note under section 1 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 6 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 6. Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences -STATUTE- (a) Establishment and Composition. - There shall be in the United States Patent and Trademark Office a Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences. The Director, the Deputy Director, the Commissioner for Patents, the Commissioner for Trademarks, and the administrative patent judges shall constitute the Board. The administrative patent judges shall be persons of competent legal knowledge and scientific ability who are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Director. (b) Duties. - The Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences shall, on written appeal of an applicant, review adverse decisions of examiners upon applications for patents and shall determine priority and patentability of invention in interferences declared under section 135(a). Each appeal and interference shall be heard by at least three members of the Board, who shall be designated by the Director. Only the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences may grant rehearings. (c) Authority of the Secretary. - The Secretary of Commerce may, in his or her discretion, deem the appointment of an administrative patent judge who, before the date of the enactment of this subsection, held office pursuant to an appointment by the Director to take effect on the date on which the Director initially appointed the administrative patent judge. (d) Defense to Challenge of Appointment. - It shall be a defense to a challenge to the appointment of an administrative patent judge on the basis of the judge's having been originally appointed by the Director that the administrative patent judge so appointed was acting as a de facto officer. -SOURCE- (Added Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4717(2)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-580; amended Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13203(a)(2), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1902; Pub. L. 110-313, Sec. 1(a)(1), Aug. 12, 2008, 122 Stat. 3014.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (c), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110-313, which was approved Aug. 12, 2008. -MISC1- PRIOR PROVISIONS A prior section 6, acts July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 793; Pub. L. 92-132, Oct. 5, 1971, 85 Stat. 364; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 94-131, Sec. 2, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 690; Pub. L. 97-247, Secs. 7, 13, Aug. 27, 1982, 96 Stat. 320, 321; Pub. L. 102-204, Sec. 8, Dec. 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 1641, related to duties of Commissioner, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 106- 113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4715(a), 4731], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-580, 1501A-581, effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999. AMENDMENTS 2008 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110-313, Sec. 1(a)(1)(A), (B), substituted "Deputy Director" for "Deputy Commissioner" in second sentence and "Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Director" for "Director" in last sentence. Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 110-313, Sec. 1(a)(1)(C), which directed addition of subsecs. (c) and (d) at end of subsec. (a), was executed by adding subsecs. (c) and (d) at end of section to reflect the probable intent of Congress. 2002 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107-273, which directed amendment of subsec. (a) by inserting "the Deputy Commissioner," after "Commissioner,", was executed by making the insertion after "The Director," to reflect the probable intent of Congress. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as an Effective Date of 1999 Amendment note under section 1 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 7 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 7. Library -STATUTE- The Director shall maintain a library of scientific and other works and periodicals, both foreign and domestic, in the Patent and Trademark Office to aid the officers in the discharge of their duties. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 793, Sec. 8; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; renumbered Sec. 7 and amended Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4717(1), 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-580, 1501A- 582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 10 (R.S. 486). Some change in language has been made. "Purchased" is changed to "maintained" to include the existing library and keeping it up by additions. The phrase "and other" is added to include legal works. The last phrase of the corresponding section of the existing statute is omitted as unnecessary. PRIOR PROVISIONS A prior section 7, acts July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 793; Pub. L. 85-933, Sec. 2, Sept. 6, 1958, 72 Stat. 1793; Pub. L. 86- 370, Sec. 1(b), Sept. 23, 1959, 73 Stat. 650; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 93-601, Sec. 2, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1956; Pub. L. 98-622, title II, Sec. 201(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3386, established the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4717(1), 4731], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-580, 1501A-581, effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4717(1)], renumbered section 8 of this title as this section. 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 8 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 8. Classification of patents -STATUTE- The Director may revise and maintain the classification by subject matter of United States letters patent, and such other patents and printed publications as may be necessary or practicable, for the purpose of determining with readiness and accuracy the novelty of inventions for which applications for patent are filed. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 794, Sec. 9; renumbered Sec. 8 and amended Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4717(1), 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-580, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 6 note (June 10, 1898, ch. 430, Sec. 1, 30 Stat. 440). Changes in language are made. PRIOR PROVISIONS A prior section 8 was renumbered section 7 of this title. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4717(1)], renumbered section 9 of this title as this section. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 9 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 9. Certified copies of records -STATUTE- The Director may furnish certified copies of specifications and drawings of patents issued by the Patent and Trademark Office, and of other records available either to the public or to the person applying therefor. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 794, Sec. 10; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; renumbered Sec. 9 and amended Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4717(1), 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-580, 1501A- 582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 14 (Mar. 3, 1891, ch. 541, Sec. 1 (part), 26 Stat. 908, 940). Reference to other records is added. The fee for certification is omitted as it appears in the table of fees. PRIOR PROVISIONS A prior section 9 was renumbered section 8 of this title. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4717(1)], renumbered section 10 of this title as this section. 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 10 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 10. Publications -STATUTE- (a) The Director may publish in printed, typewritten, or electronic form, the following: 1. Patents and published applications for patents, including specifications and drawings, together with copies of the same. The Patent and Trademark Office may print the headings of the drawings for patents for the purpose of photolithography. 2. Certificates of trade-mark registrations, including statements and drawings, together with copies of the same. 3. The Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. 4. Annual indexes of patents and patentees, and of trade-marks and registrants. 5. Annual volumes of decisions in patent and trade-mark cases. 6. Pamphlet copies of the patent laws and rules of practice, laws and rules relating to trade-marks, and circulars or other publications relating to the business of the Office. (b) The Director may exchange any of the publications specified in items 3, 4, 5, and 6 of subsection (a) of this section for publications desirable for the use of the Patent and Trademark Office. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 794, Sec. 11; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; renumbered Sec. 10 and amended Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4507(1), 4717(1), 4732(a)(10)(A), 4804(b)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-565, 1501A-580, 1501A-582, 1501A-589; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Secs. 13205(2)(A), 13206(b)(1)(B), (3)(A), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1903, 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Secs. 13 and 16 (R.S. 489; July 9, 1947, ch. 211, Sec. 301 (part), 61 Stat. 299, repeated in prior and subsequent appropriation acts). Section is amplified to list the publications of the Patent Office, based on 44 U.S.C., 1946 ed., Secs. 283, 283a. The second sentence of item 1 of the revised section is a provision appearing annually in appropriation acts to enable the Patent Office to maintain a small printing press to place headings on drawings before the drawings are reproduced. Language is changed. PRIOR PROVISIONS A prior section 10 was renumbered section 9 of this title. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(3)(A), amended directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4804(b)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. Subsec. (a)1. Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13205(2)(A), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(1)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4717(1)], renumbered section 11 of this title as this section. Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4804(b)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(3)(A), which directed the general amendment of the introductory provisions of subsec. (a) of section 10 of this title to read "The Director may publish in printed, typewritten, or electronic form, the following:", was executed to this section, which was section 11 of this title, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. This section was subsequently renumbered section 10 of this title by Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4717(1)]. Prior to amendment, introductory provisions of subsec. (a) read as follows: "The Commissioner may print, or cause to be printed, the following:". See note above and Effective Date of 1999 Amendment note below. Subsec. (a)1. Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(1)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13205(2)(A), inserted "and published applications for patents" after "Patents". Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office", wherever appearing. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4508], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-566, as amended by Pub. L. 107- 273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13205(3), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1903, provided that: "Except as otherwise provided in this section, sections 4502 through 4504 and 4506 through 4507 [amending sections 10 to 12, 119, 120, 122, 135, 154, 181, 252, 284, and 374 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 41 and 122 of this title], and the amendments made by such sections, shall be effective as of November 29, 2000, and shall apply only to applications (including international applications designating the United States) filed on or after that date. The amendments made by section 4504 [amending section 154 of this title] shall additionally apply to any pending application filed before November 29, 2000, if such pending application is published pursuant to a request of the applicant under such procedures as may be established by the Director. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the amendments made by section 4505 [amending section 102 of this title] shall be effective as of November 29, 2000 and shall apply to all patents and all applications for patents pending on or filed after November 29, 2000. Patents resulting from an international application filed before November 29, 2000 and applications published pursuant to section 122(b) [probably means section 122(b) of title 35] or Article 21(2) of the treaty defined in section 351(a) [probably means section 351(a) of title 35] resulting from an international application filed before November 29, 2000 shall not be effective as prior art as of the filing date of the international application; however, such patents shall be effective as prior art in accordance with section 102(e) in effect on November 28, 2000." Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4717(1), 4732(a)(10)(A)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 11 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 11. Exchange of copies of patents and applications with foreign countries -STATUTE- The Director may exchange copies of specifications and drawings of United States patents and published applications for patents for those of foreign countries. The Director shall not enter into an agreement to provide such copies of specifications and drawings of United States patents and applications to a foreign country, other than a NAFTA country or a WTO member country, without the express authorization of the Secretary of Commerce. For purposes of this section, the terms "NAFTA country" and "WTO member country" have the meanings given those terms in section 104(b). -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 794, Sec. 12; renumbered Sec. 11 and amended Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4507(2), 4717(1), 4732(a)(10)(A), 4808], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-565, 1501A-580, 1501A-582, 1501A-591; Pub. L. 107- 273, div. C, title III, Secs. 13205(2)(B), 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1903, 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Secs. 15, and 78, part (Jan. 14, 1915, 38 Stat. 1221; Feb. 18, 1922, ch. 58, Sec. 9, proviso in, 42 Stat. 393). The first act mentioned applies to Canada only, the second to any country; these are consolidated in one section, specific reference to one country not being necessary. Language is changed. PRIOR PROVISIONS A prior section 11 was renumbered section 10 of this title. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13205(2)(B), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(2)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4808], inserted at end "The Director shall not enter into an agreement to provide such copies of specifications and drawings of United States patents and applications to a foreign country, other than a NAFTA country or a WTO member country, without the express authorization of the Secretary of Commerce. For purposes of this section, the terms 'NAFTA country' and 'WTO member country' have the meanings given those terms in section 104(b)." Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4717(1)], renumbered section 12 of this title as this section. Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(2)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13205(2)(B), inserted "and applications" after "patents" in section catchline and "and published applications for patents" after "patents" in text. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(2)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 2000, and applicable only to applications (including international applications designating the United States) filed on or after that date, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4508] of Pub. L. 106-113, as amended, set out as a note under section 10 of this title. Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4717(1), 4732(a)(10)(A)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 12 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 12. Copies of patents and applications for public libraries -STATUTE- The Director may supply copies of specifications and drawings of patents and published applications for patents in printed or electronic form to public libraries in the United States which shall maintain such copies for the use of the public, at the rate for each year's issue established for this purpose in section 41(d) of this title. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 794, Sec. 13; Pub. L. 97-247, Sec. 15, Aug. 27, 1982, 96 Stat. 321; renumbered Sec. 12 and amended Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4507(3), 4717(1), 4732(a)(10)(A), 4804(c)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-565, 1501A-580, 1501A-582, 1501A-589; Pub. L. 107- 273, div. C, title III, Secs. 13205(2)(C), 13206(b)(1)(B), (3)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1903, 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 78, part (R.S. 4934, Feb. 18, 1922, ch. 58, Sec. 9, 42 Stat. 389, 393, amended June 15, 1950, ch. 249, 64 Stat. 215). The proviso in the schedule of fees of the existing statute is made a separate section and some changes in language are made. PRIOR PROVISIONS A prior section 12 was renumbered section 11 of this title. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(3)(B), amended directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4804(c)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13205(2)(C), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(3)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4804(c)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(3)(B), which directed amendment of section 12 of this title by substituting "copies of specifications and drawings of patents in printed or electronic form" for "printed copies of specifications and drawings of patents", was executed to this section, which was section 13 of this title, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. This section was subsequently renumbered section 12 of this title by Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4717(1)]. See note above and Effective Date of 1999 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4717(1)], renumbered section 13 of this title as this section. Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(3)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13205(2)(C), inserted "and applications" after "patents" in section catchline and "and published applications for patents" after "patents" in text. 1982 - Pub. L. 97-247 substituted "section 41(d)" for "section 41(a)9". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(3)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 2000, and applicable only to applications (including international applications designating the United States) filed on or after that date, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4508] of Pub. L. 106-113, as amended, set out as a note under section 10 of this title. Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4717(1), 4732(a)(10)(A)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-247 effective Aug. 27, 1982, see section 17(a) of Pub. L. 97-247, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 13 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 13. Annual report to Congress -STATUTE- The Director shall report to the Congress, not later than 180 days after the end of each fiscal year, the moneys received and expended by the Office, the purposes for which the moneys were spent, the quality and quantity of the work of the Office, the nature of training provided to examiners, the evaluation of the Commissioner of Patents and the Commissioner of Trademarks by the Secretary of Commerce, the compensation of the Commissioners, and other information relating to the Office. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 794, Sec. 14; renumbered Sec. 13 and amended Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4717(1), 4718], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-580, 1501A-581.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 20 (R.S. 494). Language is changed. The lists referred to in the corresponding section of existing statute, and which are omitted from the revised section, are the indexes provided for in section 11(a)4. The month of reporting is omitted. The report contemplated by R.S. 494 has been discontinued since 1925 under authority of 44 U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 212. PRIOR PROVISIONS A prior section 13 was renumbered section 12 of this title. AMENDMENTS 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113 renumbered section 14 of this title as this section and amended section catchline and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Commissioner shall report to Congress annually the moneys received and expended, statistics concerning the work of the Office, and other information relating to the Office as may be useful to the Congress or the public." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. REPORT TO CONGRESS Pub. L. 100-703, title I, Sec. 103(c), Nov. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 4674, provided that: "The Secretary of Commerce shall, on the day on which the President submits the annual budget to the Congress, provide to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and the House of Representatives - "(1) a list of patent and trademark fee collections by the Patent and Trademark Office during the preceding fiscal year; "(2) a list of activities of the Patent and Trademark Office during the preceding fiscal year which were supported by patent fee expenditures, trademark fee expenditures, and appropriations; "(3) budget plans for significant programs, projects, and activities of the Office, including out-year funding estimates; "(4) any proposed disposition of surplus fees by the Office; and "(5) such other information as the committees consider necessary." Similar provisions were contained in the following prior authorization act: Pub. L. 99-607, Sec. 3(c), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3471. COMPUTERIZED DATA AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM; REPORT TO CONGRESS Pub. L. 96-517, Sec. 9, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 3028, directed the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to report to Congress, within two years after Dec. 12, 1980, a plan to identify, and if necessary develop or have developed, computerized data and retrieval systems equivalent to the latest state of the art which could be applied to all aspects of the operation of the Patent and Trademark Office, and particularly to the patent search file, the patent classification system, and the trademark search file. The report was to specify the cost of implementing the plan, and how rapidly the plan could be implemented by the Patent and Trademark Office, without regard to the availability of future funding. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 14 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 1 - ESTABLISHMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, FUNCTIONS -HEAD- [Sec. 14. Renumbered Sec. 13] -STATUTE- -End- -CITE- 35 USC CHAPTER 2 - PROCEEDINGS IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 2 - PROCEEDINGS IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -HEAD- CHAPTER 2 - PROCEEDINGS IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -MISC1- Sec. 21. Filing date and day for taking action. 22. Printing of papers filed. 23. Testimony in Patent and Trademark Office cases. 24. Subpoenas, witnesses. 25. Declaration in lieu of oath. 26. Effect of defective execution. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(a)(5), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1904, substituted "Filing date and day for taking action" for "Day for taking action falling on Saturday, Sunday, or holiday" in item 21. 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949, substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office" in chapter heading and in item 23. 1964 - Pub. L. 88-292, Sec. 2, Mar. 26, 1964, 78 Stat. 171, added items 25 and 26. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 21 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 2 - PROCEEDINGS IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -HEAD- Sec. 21. Filing date and day for taking action -STATUTE- (a) The Director may by rule prescribe that any paper or fee required to be filed in the Patent and Trademark Office will be considered filed in the Office on the date on which it was deposited with the United States Postal Service or would have been deposited with the United States Postal Service but for postal service interruptions or emergencies designated by the Director. (b) When the day, or the last day, for taking any action or paying any fee in the United States Patent and Trademark Office falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday within the District of Columbia, the action may be taken, or the fee paid, on the next succeeding secular or business day. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 794; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 97-247, Sec. 12, Aug. 27, 1982, 96 Stat. 321; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 21 (Mar. 2, 1927, ch. 273, Sec. 14, 44 Stat. 1337). "Fixed by statute" is omitted from the corresponding section of the existing statute as unnecessary. Saturday is added as a day on which action need not be taken. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107- 273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in two places. 1982 - Pub. L. 97-247 substituted "Filing date and day for taking action" for "Day for taking action falling on Saturday, Sunday, or holiday" as section catchline, added subsec. (a), redesignated existing provisions as subsec. (b) and inserted "Federal" after "Sunday, or a". 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-247 effective six months after Aug. 27, 1982, see section 17(c) of Pub. L. 97-247, set out as an Effective Date note under section 294 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. EMERGENCY RELIEF FROM POSTAL SITUATION AFFECTING PATENT CASES Relief as to filing date of patent application or patent and excusal of delayed fees or actions affected by postal situation beginning on Mar. 18, 1970, and ending on or about Mar. 30, 1970, see note set out under section 111 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 22 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 2 - PROCEEDINGS IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -HEAD- Sec. 22. Printing of papers filed -STATUTE- The Director may require papers filed in the Patent and Trademark Office to be printed, typewritten, or on an electronic medium. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 795; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4732(a)(10)(A), 4804(a)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582, 1501A-589; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 12 (R.S. 488). Language is changed and "or typewritten" is added after "printed". AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4804(a)], substituted "printed, typewritten, or on an electronic medium" for "printed or typewritten". Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 23 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 2 - PROCEEDINGS IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -HEAD- Sec. 23. Testimony in Patent and Trademark Office cases -STATUTE- The Director may establish rules for taking affidavits and depositions required in cases in the Patent and Trademark Office. Any officer authorized by law to take depositions to be used in the courts of the United States, or of the State where he resides, may take such affidavits and depositions. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 795; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 53 (R.S. 4905). This section is placed in part 1 since it relates to trade-mark cases in the Patent Office as well as to patent cases. Language is changed. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office" in section catchline and text. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 24 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 2 - PROCEEDINGS IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -HEAD- Sec. 24. Subpoenas, witnesses -STATUTE- The clerk of any United States court for the district wherein testimony is to be taken for use in any contested case in the Patent and Trademark Office, shall, upon the application of any party thereto, issue a subpoena for any witness residing or being within such district, commanding him to appear and testify before an officer in such district authorized to take depositions and affidavits, at the time and place stated in the subpoena. The provisions of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure relating to the attendance of witnesses and to the production of documents and things shall apply to contested cases in the Patent and Trademark Office. Every witness subpoenaed and in attendance shall be allowed the fees and traveling expenses allowed to witnesses attending the United States district courts. A judge of a court whose clerk issued a subpoena may enforce obedience to the process or punish disobedience as in other like cases, on proof that a witness, served with such subpoena, neglected or refused to appear or to testify. No witness shall be deemed guilty of contempt for disobeying such subpoena unless his fees and traveling expenses in going to, and returning from, and one day's attendance at the place of examination, are paid or tendered him at the time of the service of the subpoena; nor for refusing to disclose any secret matter except upon appropriate order of the court which issued the subpoena. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 795; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Secs. 54, 55 and 56 (R.S. 4906, amended Feb. 18, 1922, ch. 58, Sec. 7, 42 Stat. 389, 391-2; R.S. 4907; R.S. 4908). Three sections of the existing statute are combined with some changes in language and placed in part 1 since they apply to trade- mark cases in the Patent Office as well as to patent cases. Reference to a repealed statute in the first paragraph is replaced by reference to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and certain rules are made applicable. -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, referred to in text, are set out in the Appendix to Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. -MISC2- AMENDMENTS 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office" in two places. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 25 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 2 - PROCEEDINGS IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -HEAD- Sec. 25. Declaration in lieu of oath -STATUTE- (a) The Director may by rule prescribe that any document to be filed in the Patent and Trademark Office and which is required by any law, rule, or other regulation to be under oath may be subscribed to by a written declaration in such form as the Director may prescribe, such declaration to be in lieu of the oath otherwise required. (b) Whenever such written declaration is used, the document must warn the declarant that willful false statements and the like are punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both (18 U.S.C. 1001). -SOURCE- (Added Pub. L. 88-292, Sec. 1, Mar. 26, 1964, 78 Stat. 171; amended Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 106- 113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107- 273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in two places. 1975 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 26 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 2 - PROCEEDINGS IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -HEAD- Sec. 26. Effect of defective execution -STATUTE- Any document to be filed in the Patent and Trademark Office and which is required by any law, rule, or other regulation to be executed in a specified manner may be provisionally accepted by the Director despite a defective execution, provided a properly executed document is submitted within such time as may be prescribed. -SOURCE- (Added Pub. L. 88-292, Sec. 1, Mar. 26, 1964, 78 Stat. 171; amended Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 106- 113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC CHAPTER 3 - PRACTICE BEFORE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 3 - PRACTICE BEFORE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -HEAD- CHAPTER 3 - PRACTICE BEFORE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -MISC1- Sec. [31. Repealed.] 32. Suspension or exclusion from practice. 33. Unauthorized representation as practitioner. AMENDMENTS 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4715(b)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-580, struck out item 31 "Regulations for agents and attorneys". 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949, substituted "PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE" for "PATENT OFFICE" in chapter heading. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 31 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 3 - PRACTICE BEFORE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -HEAD- Sec. 31. Repealed. -MISC1- [Sec. 31. Repealed. Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4715(b)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-580]. Section, acts July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 795; Pub. L. 93- 596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949, authorized the Commissioner to prescribe regulations for agents and attorneys. EFFECTIVE DATE OF REPEAL Repeal effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as an Effective Date of 1999 Amendment note under section 1 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 32 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 3 - PRACTICE BEFORE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -HEAD- Sec. 32. Suspension or exclusion from practice -STATUTE- The Director may, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, suspend or exclude, either generally or in any particular case, from further practice before the Patent and Trademark Office, any person, agent, or attorney shown to be incompetent or disreputable, or guilty of gross misconduct, or who does not comply with the regulations established under section 2(b)(2)(D) of this title, or who shall, by word, circular, letter, or advertising, with intent to defraud in any manner, deceive, mislead, or threaten any applicant or prospective applicant, or other person having immediate or prospective business before the Office. The reasons for any such suspension or exclusion shall be duly recorded. The Director shall have the discretion to designate any attorney who is an officer or employee of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to conduct the hearing required by this section. The United States District Court for the District of Columbia, under such conditions and upon such proceedings as it by its rules determines, may review the action of the Director upon the petition of the person so refused recognition or so suspended or excluded. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 795; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4715(c), 4719, 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-580 to 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 11 (R.S. 487, amended Feb. 18, 1922, ch. 58, Sec. 3, 42 Stat. 390). See note under section 31. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in first and last sentences. Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4719], inserted before last sentence "The Director shall have the discretion to designate any attorney who is an officer or employee of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to conduct the hearing required by this section." Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4715(c)], substituted "2(b)(2)(D)" for "31". 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 33 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 3 - PRACTICE BEFORE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE -HEAD- Sec. 33. Unauthorized representation as practitioner -STATUTE- Whoever, not being recognized to practice before the Patent and Trademark Office, holds himself out or permits himself to be held out as so recognized, or as being qualified to prepare or prosecute applications for patent, shall be fined not more than $1,000 for each offense. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 796; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 11a (May 9, 1938, ch. 188, 52 Stat. 342). This is a criminal statute. The language has been considerably simplified and the upper limit of the penalty is increased. AMENDMENTS 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC CHAPTER 4 - PATENT FEES; FUNDING; SEARCH SYSTEMS 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 4 - PATENT FEES; FUNDING; SEARCH SYSTEMS -HEAD- CHAPTER 4 - PATENT FEES; FUNDING; SEARCH SYSTEMS -MISC1- Sec. 41. Patent fees; patent and trademark search systems. 42. Patent and Trademark Office funding. AMENDMENTS 1991 - Pub. L. 102-204, Sec. 5(d)(2)(B), (C), Dec. 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 1640, inserted "; FUNDING; SEARCH SYSTEMS" after "FEES" in chapter heading, inserted "; patent and trademark search systems" after "fees" in item 41, and substituted "Patent and Trademark Office funding" for "Payment of patent fees; return of excess amounts" in item 42. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 41 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 4 - PATENT FEES; FUNDING; SEARCH SYSTEMS -HEAD- Sec. 41. Patent fees; patent and trademark search systems -STATUTE- (a) The Director shall charge the following fees: (1)(A) On filing each application for an original patent, except in design or plant cases, $690. (B) In addition, on filing or on presentation at any other time, $78 for each claim in independent form which is in excess of 3, $18 for each claim (whether independent or dependent) which is in excess of 20, and $260 for each application containing a multiple dependent claim. (C) On filing each provisional application for an original patent, $150. (2) For issuing each original or reissue patent, except in design or plant cases, $1,210. (3) In design and plant cases - (A) on filing each design application, $310; (B) on filing each plant application, $480; (C) on issuing each design patent, $430; and (D) on issuing each plant patent, $580. (4)(A) On filing each application for the reissue of a patent, $690. (B) In addition, on filing or on presentation at any other time, $78 for each claim in independent form which is in excess of the number of independent claims of the original patent, and $18 for each claim (whether independent or dependent) which is in excess of 20 and also in excess of the number of claims of the original patent. (5) On filing each disclaimer, $110. (6)(A) On filing an appeal from the examiner to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, $300. (B) In addition, on filing a brief in support of the appeal, $300, and on requesting an oral hearing in the appeal before the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, $260. (7) On filing each petition for the revival of an unintentionally abandoned application for a patent, for the unintentionally delayed payment of the fee for issuing each patent, or for an unintentionally delayed response by the patent owner in any reexamination proceeding, $1,210, unless the petition is filed under section 133 or 151 of this title, in which case the fee shall be $110. (8) For petitions for 1-month extensions of time to take actions required by the Director in an application - (A) on filing a first petition, $110; (B) on filing a second petition, $270; and (C) on filing a third petition or subsequent petition, $490. (9) Basic national fee for an international application where the Patent and Trademark Office was the International Preliminary Examining Authority and the International Searching Authority, $670. (10) Basic national fee for an international application where the Patent and Trademark Office was the International Searching Authority but not the International Preliminary Examining Authority, $690. (11) Basic national fee for an international application where the Patent and Trademark Office was neither the International Searching Authority nor the International Preliminary Examining Authority, $970. (12) Basic national fee for an international application where the international preliminary examination fee has been paid to the Patent and Trademark Office, and the international preliminary examination report states that the provisions of Article 33(2), (3), and (4) of the Patent Cooperation Treaty have been satisfied for all claims in the application entering the national stage, $96. (13) For filing or later presentation of each independent claim in the national stage of an international application in excess of 3, $78. (14) For filing or later presentation of each claim (whether independent or dependent) in a national stage of an international application in excess of 20, $18. (15) For each national stage of an international application containing a multiple dependent claim, $260. For the purpose of computing fees, a multiple dependent claim referred to in section 112 of this title or any claim depending therefrom shall be considered as separate dependent claims in accordance with the number of claims to which reference is made. Errors in payment of the additional fees may be rectified in accordance with regulations of the Director. (b) The Director shall charge the following fees for maintaining in force all patents based on applications filed on or after December 12, 1980: (1) 3 years and 6 months after grant, $830. (2) 7 years and 6 months after grant, $1,900. (3) 11 years and 6 months after grant, $2,910. Unless payment of the applicable maintenance fee is received in the Patent and Trademark Office on or before the date the fee is due or within a grace period of 6 months thereafter, the patent will expire as of the end of such grace period. The Director may require the payment of a surcharge as a condition of accepting within such 6-month grace period the payment of an applicable maintenance fee. No fee may be established for maintaining a design or plant patent in force. (c)(1) The Director may accept the payment of any maintenance fee required by subsection (b) of this section which is made within twenty-four months after the six-month grace period if the delay is shown to the satisfaction of the Director to have been unintentional, or at any time after the six-month grace period if the delay is shown to the satisfaction of the Director to have been unavoidable. The Director may require the payment of a surcharge as a condition of accepting payment of any maintenance fee after the six-month grace period. If the Director accepts payment of a maintenance fee after the six-month grace period, the patent shall be considered as not having expired at the end of the grace period. (2) A patent, the term of which has been maintained as a result of the acceptance of a payment of a maintenance fee under this subsection, shall not abridge or affect the right of any person or that person's successors in business who made, purchased, offered to sell, or used anything protected by the patent within the United States, or imported anything protected by the patent into the United States after the 6-month grace period but prior to the acceptance of a maintenance fee under this subsection, to continue the use of, to offer for sale, or to sell to others to be used, offered for sale, or sold, the specific thing so made, purchased, offered for sale, used, or imported. The court before which such matter is in question may provide for the continued manufacture, use, offer for sale, or sale of the thing made, purchased, offered for sale, or used within the United States, or imported into the United States, as specified, or for the manufacture, use, offer for sale, or sale in the United States of which substantial preparation was made after the 6-month grace period but before the acceptance of a maintenance fee under this subsection, and the court may also provide for the continued practice of any process that is practiced, or for the practice of which substantial preparation was made, after the 6-month grace period but before the acceptance of a maintenance fee under this subsection, to the extent and under such terms as the court deems equitable for the protection of investments made or business commenced after the 6-month grace period but before the acceptance of a maintenance fee under this subsection. (d) The Director shall establish fees for all other processing, services, or materials relating to patents not specified in this section to recover the estimated average cost to the Office of such processing, services, or materials, except that the Director shall charge the following fees for the following services: (1) For recording a document affecting title, $40 per property. (2) For each photocopy, $.25 per page. (3) For each black and white copy of a patent, $3. The yearly fee for providing a library specified in section 13 (!1) of this title with uncertified printed copies of the specifications and drawings for all patents in that year shall be $50. (e) The Director may waive the payment of any fee for any service or material related to patents in connection with an occasional or incidental request made by a department or agency of the Government, or any officer thereof. The Director may provide any applicant issued a notice under section 132 of this title with a copy of the specifications and drawings for all patents referred to in that notice without charge. (f) The fees established in subsections (a) and (b) of this section may be adjusted by the Director on October 1, 1992, and every year thereafter, to reflect any fluctuations occurring during the previous 12 months in the Consumer Price Index, as determined by the Secretary of Labor. Changes of less than 1 per centum may be ignored. (g) No fee established by the Director under this section shall take effect until at least 30 days after notice of the fee has been published in the Federal Register and in the Official Gazette of the Patent and Trademark Office. (h)(1) Fees charged under subsection (a) or (b) shall be reduced by 50 percent with respect to their application to any small business concern as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act, and to any independent inventor or nonprofit organization as defined in regulations issued by the Director. (2) With respect to its application to any entity described in paragraph (1), any surcharge or fee charged under subsection (c) or (d) shall not be higher than the surcharge or fee required of any other entity under the same or substantially similar circumstances. (i)(1) The Director shall maintain, for use by the public, paper, microform, or electronic collections of United States patents, foreign patent documents, and United States trademark registrations arranged to permit search for and retrieval of information. The Director may not impose fees directly for the use of such collections, or for the use of the public patent or trademark search rooms or libraries. (2) The Director shall provide for the full deployment of the automated search systems of the Patent and Trademark Office so that such systems are available for use by the public, and shall assure full access by the public to, and dissemination of, patent and trademark information, using a variety of automated methods, including electronic bulletin boards and remote access by users to mass storage and retrieval systems. (3) The Director may establish reasonable fees for access by the public to the automated search systems of the Patent and Trademark Office. If such fees are established, a limited amount of free access shall be made available to users of the systems for purposes of education and training. The Director may waive the payment by an individual of fees authorized by this subsection upon a showing of need or hardship, and if such a waiver is in the public interest. (4) The Director shall submit to the Congress an annual report on the automated search systems of the Patent and Trademark Office and the access by the public to such systems. The Director shall also publish such report in the Federal Register. The Director shall provide an opportunity for the submission of comments by interested persons on each such report. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 796; Pub. L. 89-83, Secs. 1, 2, July 24, 1965, 79 Stat. 259; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 94-131, Sec. 3, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 690; Pub. L. 96-517, Sec. 2, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 3017; Pub. L. 97- 247, Sec. 3(a)-(e), Aug. 27, 1982, 96 Stat. 317-319; Pub. L. 97- 256, title I, Sec. 101(1)-(4), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 816; Pub. L. 98-622, title II, Sec. 204(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3388; Pub. L. 99-607, Sec. 1(b)(2), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3470; Pub. L. 102- 204, Sec. 5(a)-(c)(1), (d)(1), (2)(A), Dec. 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 1637-1639; Pub. L. 102-444, Sec. 1, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2245; Pub. L. 103-465, title V, Secs. 532(b)(2), 533(b)(1), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4986, 4988; Pub. L. 105-358, Sec. 3, Nov. 10, 1998, 112 Stat. 3272; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4202, 4605(a), 4732(a)(5), (10)(A), 4804(d)(1)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-554, 1501A-570, 1501A-582, 1501A-589; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 78 (R.S. 4934, amended (1) May 27, 1908, ch. 200, Sec. 1 (part), 35 Stat. 317, 343; (2) June 25, 1910, ch. 414, Sec. 2, 35 Stat. 843; (3) Feb. 18, 1922, ch. 58, Sec. 9, 42 Stat. 389, 393; (4) Feb. 14, 1927, ch. 139, Sec. 2, 44 Stat. 1098, 1099; (5) Mar. 2, 1927, ch. 273, Sec. 13, 44 Stat. 1335, 1337; (6) April 11, 1930, ch. 132, Sec. 3, 46 Stat. 155; (7) June 30, 1932, ch. 314, Secs. 308, 309, 47 Stat. 382, 410; (8) Aug. 9, 1939, ch. 619, Sec. 3, 53 Stat. 1293; July 5, 1946, ch. 541, Sec. 301 (part), 60 Stat. 446, 471). The items in the schedule of fees are rearranged in a few instances and are numbered for convenient reference. The obsolete fee for appeal from the examiners of interferences to the Board of Appeals is omitted. The fee for appeal to the Board of Appeals is changed from $15 to $25. Two provisos in the corresponding section of the existing statute have been made separate sections, see sections 12 and 13. The fee for a certificate is changed from 50 cents to $1 to correspond to the same fee in the trade-mark statute. A new item (8) is added to go with section 205. An omnibus item to take care of miscellaneous minor fees is added; in view of this, two items in the present schedule are omitted. The fee for reissue applications is changed slightly. -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT Section 13 of this title, referred to in subsec. (d), was renumbered section 12 of this title by Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4717(1)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1501A- 536, 1501A-580. Section 3 of the Small Business Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(1), is classified to section 632 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -MISC2- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in introductory and concluding provisions. Subsec. (a)(1)(A), (4)(A). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4202(a), (b)], substituted "$690" for "$760". Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4605(a)], amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (7) read as follows: "On filing each petition for the revival of an unintentionally abandoned application for a patent or for the unintentionally delayed payment of the fee for issuing each patent, $1,210, unless the petition is filed under section 133 or 151 of this title, in which case the fee shall be $110." Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in introductory provisions. Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4202(c)], substituted "$690" for "$760". Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in introductory and concluding provisions. Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4202(d)], substituted "$830" for "$940". Subsecs. (c) to (g). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing. Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(5)], substituted "Director" for "Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks". Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4804(d)(1)], substituted "paper, microform, or electronic" for "paper or microform". Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)] substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in two places. Subsec. (i)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing. 1998 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105-358, Sec. 3(a), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which listed fees for patent services. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105-358, Sec. 3(b), added subsec. (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows: "The Commissioner shall charge the following fees for maintaining in force all patents based on applications filed on or after December 12, 1980: "(1) 3 years and 6 months after grant, $650. "(2) 7 years and 6 months after grant, $1,310. "(3) 11 years and 6 months after grant, $1,980. Unless payment of the applicable maintenance fee is received in the Patent and Trademark Office on or before the date the fee is due or within a grace period of six months thereafter, the patent will expire as of the end of such grace period. The Commissioner may require the payment of a surcharge as a condition of accepting within such six-month grace period the late payment of an applicable maintenance fee. No fee will be established for maintaining a design or plant patent in force." 1994 - Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 103-465, Sec. 532(b)(2), added subpar. (C). Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 103-465, Sec. 533(b)(1), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "No patent, the term of which has been maintained as a result of the acceptance of a payment of a maintenance fee under this subsection, shall abridge or affect the right of any person or his successors in business who made, purchased or used after the six-month grace period but prior to the acceptance of a maintenance fee under this subsection anything protected by the patent, to continue the use of, or to sell to others to be used or sold, the specific thing so made, purchased, or used. The court before which such matter is in question may provide for the continued manufacture, use or sale of the thing made, purchased, or used as specified, or for the manufacture, use or sale of which substantial preparation was made after the six-month grace period but before the acceptance of a maintenance fee under this subsection, and it may also provide for the continued practice of any process, practiced, or for the practice of which substantial preparation was made, after the six- month grace period but prior to the acceptance of a maintenance fee under this subsection, to the extent and under such terms as the court deems equitable for the protection of investments made or business commenced after the six-month grace period but before the acceptance of a maintenance fee under the subsection." 1992 - Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102-444 inserted after "section" in first sentence "which is made within twenty-four months after the six-month grace period if the delay is shown to the satisfaction of the Commissioner to have been unintentional, or at any time". 1991 - Pub. L. 102-204, Sec. 5(d)(2)(A), inserted "; patent and trademark search systems" after "fees" in section catchline. Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102-204, Sec. 5(a)(1), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "The Commissioner shall charge the following fees: "1. On filing each application for an original patent, except in design or plant cases, $300; in addition, on filing or on presentation at any other time, $30 for each claim in independent form which is in excess of three, $10 for each claim (whether independent or dependent) which is in excess of twenty, and $100 for each application containing a multiple dependent claim. For the purpose of computing fees, a multiple dependent claim as referred to in section 112 of this title or any claim depending therefrom shall be considered as separate dependent claims in accordance with the number of claims to which reference is made. Errors in payment of the additional fees may be rectified in accordance with regulations of the Commissioner. "2. For issuing each original or reissue patent, except in design or plant cases, $500. "3. In design and plant cases: "a. On filing each design application, $125. "b. On filing each plant application, $200. "c. On issuing each design patent, $175. "d. On issuing each plant patent, $250. "4. On filing each application for the reissue of a patent, $300; in addition, on filing or on presentation at any other time, $30 for each claim in independent form which is in excess of the number of independent claims of the original patent, and $10 for each claim (whether independent or dependent) which is in excess of twenty and also in excess of the number of claims of the original patent. Errors in payment of the additional fees may be rectified in accordance with regulations of the Commissioner. "5. On filing each disclaimer, $50. "6. On filing an appeal from the examiner to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, $115; in addition, on filing a brief in support of the appeal, $115, and on requesting an oral hearing in the appeal before the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, $100. "7. On filing each petition for the revival of an unintentionally abandoned application for a patent or for the unintentionally delayed payment of the fee for issuing each patent, $500, unless the petition is filed under sections 133 or 151 of this title, in which case the fee shall be $50. "8. For petitions for one-month extensions of time to take actions required by the Commissioner in an application: "a. On filing a first petition, $50. "b. On filing a second petition, $100. "c. On filing a third or subsequent petition, $200." Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102-204, Sec. 5(a)(2), substituted "in force all patents based on applications filed on or after December 12, 1980: "(1) 3 years and 6 months after grant, $650. "(2) 7 years and 6 months after grant, $1,310. "(3) 11 years and 6 months after grant, $1,980." for "a patent in force: "1. Three years and six months after grant, $400. "2. Seven years and six months after grant, $800. "3. Eleven years and six months after grant, $1,200." Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102-204, Sec. 5(a)(3), amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) read as follows: "The Commissioner will establish fees for all other processing, services, or materials related to patents not specified above to recover the estimated average cost to the Office of such processing, services, or materials. The yearly fee for providing a library specified in section 13 of this title with uncertified printed copies of the specifications and drawings for all patents issued in that year will be $50." Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102-204, Sec. 5(b), substituted "on October 1, 1992, and every year thereafter, to reflect any fluctuations occurring during the previous 12 months" for "on October 1, 1985, and every third year thereafter, to reflect any fluctuations occurring during the previous three years". Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102-204, Sec. 5(c)(1), amended subsec. (g) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (g) read as follows: "No fee established by the Commissioner under this section will take effect prior to sixty days following notice in the Federal Register." Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102-204, Sec. 5(d)(1), added subsec. (i). 1986 - Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 99-607 added subsec. (h). 1984 - Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 98-622 substituted "Patent Appeals and Interferences" for "Appeals" in two places and inserted "in the appeal" after "oral hearing". 1982 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97-247, Sec. 3(a), substituted provisions setting a schedule of fees for provisions which had directed that the Commissioner establish fees for the processing of an application for a patent, from filing through disposition by issuance or abandonment, for maintaining a patent in force, and for providing all other services and materials related to patents and that fee would be established for maintaining a design patent in force. Pub. L. 97-256, Sec. 101(1), struck out "of Patents" after "Commissioner". Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97-247, Sec. 3(b), substituted provisions setting a fee schedule for maintaining a patent in force for provisions which had directed that, fees for the actual processing of an application for a patent, other than for a design patent, from filing through disposition by issuance or abandonment, were to recover in aggregate 25 per centum of the estimated average cost to the Office of such processing and that fees for the processing of an application for a design patent, from filing through disposition by issuance or abandonment, were to recover in aggregate 50 per centum of the estimated average cost to the Office of such processing. Pub. L. 97-256, Sec. 101(2), substituted "October 1, 1982" for "the first day of the first fiscal year beginning on or after one calendar year after enactment of this Act" and "the first day of the first fiscal year beginning on or after one calendar year after enactment". Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97-247, Sec. 3(c), substituted maintenance provisions for provisions which had directed that fees for maintaining patents in force were to recover 25 per centum of the estimated cost to the Office, for the year in which such maintenance fees were received, of the actual processing all applications for patents, other than for design patents, from filing through disposition by issuance or abandonment, that fees for maintaining a patent in force would be due three years and six months, seven years and six months, and eleven years and six months after the grant of the patent, that unless payment of the applicable maintenance fee was received in the Patent and Trademark Office on or before the date the fee was due or within a grace period of six months thereafter, the patent would expire as of the end of such grace period, and that the Commissioner could require the payment of a surcharge as a condition of accepting within such six-month grace period the late payment of an applicable maintenance fee. Pub. L. 97-256, Sec. 101(3), substituted "October 1, 1996" for "the fifteenth fiscal year following the date of enactment of this Act". Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97-247, Sec. 3(d), substituted provisions relating to fees for all other processing services or materials relating to patents not previously specified for provisions directing that fees for all other services or materials related to patents were to recover the estimated average cost to the Office of performing the service or furnishing the material. Pub. L. 97-256, Sec. 101(4), substituted "October 1, 1982" for "the first day of the first fiscal year beginning on or after one calendar year after enactment". Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97-247, Sec. 3(e), substituted provisions relating to the adjustment of fees to reflect CPI fluctuations for provisions directing that fees were to be adjusted by the Commissioner to achieve the levels of recovery specified in this section but that no patent application processing fee or fee for maintaining a patent in force was to be adjusted more than once every three years. 1980 - Pub. L. 96-517 in revising fee provisions by substituting subsecs. (a) to (g) for prior subsecs. (a) to (c), required the Commissioner to establish fees based on recovery of estimated average cost of processing applications, performing miscellaneous services and providing material, required fees for maintenance of patents in force and provided for expiration of patents for nonpayments, prescribed $50 library fee for copies of specifications and drawings, authorized triennial adjustments, prescribed effective date for fees, and incorporated in subsec. (e) waiver provision of former subsec. (c). 1975 - Subsec. (a)1. Pub. L. 94-131 inserted sentence respecting consideration of a multiple dependent claim as referred to in section 112 of this title or any claim depending therefrom as separate dependent claims in accordance with the number of claims to which reference is made for the purpose of computing fees. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". 1965 - Subsec. (a)1. Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 1, increased the filing fee for original patents from $30 to $65, changed the additional fee from $1 for each claim in excess of twenty to $10 for each claim in independent form which is in excess of one and $2 for each claim (whether independent or dependent) which is in excess of ten, and permitted the rectification of errors in the payment of the additional fees in accordance with regulations of the Commissioner. Subsec. (a)2. Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 1, applied the issue fee to reissue patents as well as to original patents, increased such fee from $30 to $100, and changed the additional fee from $1 for each claim in excess of twenty to $10 for each page (or portion thereof) of specification as printed and $2 for each sheet of drawing. Subsec. (a)3. Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 1, changed the fee structure applicable to design patents from a filing fee of $10, $15, or $30 for terms of 3 1/2 , 7, or 14 years, respectively, to a filing fee of $20 and an issue fee of $10, $20, or $30 for terms of 3 1/2 , 7, or 14 years, respectively. Subsec. (a)4. Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 1, increased the filing fee for reissue patents from $30 to $65, changed the additional fee from $1 for each claim in excess of twenty over and above the number of claims in the original patent to $10 for each claim in independent form which is in excess of the number of independent claims of the original patent and $2 for each claim (whether independent or dependent) which is in excess of ten and also in excess of the number of claims in the original patent, and permitted the rectification of errors in the payment of the additional fees in accordance with regulations of the Commissioner. Subsec. (a)5. Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 1, increased the fee for filing disclaimers from $10 to $15. Subsec. (a)6. Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 1, increased the fee on appeal for the first time from the examiner to the Board of Appeals from $25 to $50, and added the additional $50 fee for filing a brief in support of the appeal. Subsec. (a)7. Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 1, increased the fee for filing a petition for the revival of an abandoned application or for the delayed payment of the issuance fee from $10 to $15. Subsec. (a)8. Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 1, inserted fee for the certificate under section 256 of this title, and increased the fee for a certificate under section 255 of this title from $10 to $15. Subsec. (a)9. Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 1, increased the fee for copies of specifications and drawings of patents (other than design patents) from 25 cents to 50 cents per copy and the fee for copies of specifications and drawings of design patents from 10 cents to 20 cents per copy, and permitted the Commissioner to establish a charge not to exceed $1 per copy for patents in excess of twenty- five pages of drawings and specifications and for plant patents printed in color and to provide applicants, without charge, with copies of specifications and drawings when referred to in a section 132 notice. Subsec. (a)10. Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 1, changed the recording fee from $3 for every document not exceeding six pages and $1 for each additional two pages or less to a flat $20 fee for every document, and substituted a $3 fee for each additional item where the document relates to more than one patent or application for a 50 cents additional fee for each additional patent or application included in one writing where more than one is so included. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 2, added subsec. (c). EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, subtitle B, Sec. 4206], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-555, provided that: "(a) In General. - Except as provided in subsection (b), the amendments made by this subtitle [amending this section and section 42 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999]. "(b) Section 4202. - The amendments made by section 4202 [amending this section] of this subtitle shall take effect 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act." Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, subtitle F, Sec. 4608], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-572, provided that: "(a) In General. - Subject to subsection (b), this subtitle [enacting chapter 31 of this title, amending this section and sections 100, 134, 141, 143, and 145 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1, 311, and 315 of this title] and the amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999] and shall apply to any patent that issues from an original application filed in the United States on or after that date. "(b) Section 4605(a). - The amendments made by section 4605(a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act." Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4732(a)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 105-358, Sec. 5, Nov. 10, 1998, 112 Stat. 3274, provided that: "This Act [amending this section and section 42 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1 of this title] and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1998." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 532(b)(2) of Pub. L. 103-465 effective 6 months after Dec. 8, 1994, and applicable to all patent applications filed in the United States on or after that effective date, with provisions relating to earliest filed patent application, see section 534(b)(1), (3) of Pub. L. 103-465, set out as a note under section 154 of this title. Amendment by section 533(b)(1) of Pub. L. 103-465 effective on date that is one year after date on which the WTO Agreement enters into force with respect to the United States [Jan. 1, 1995], with provisions relating to earliest filed patent application, see section 534(a), (b)(3) of Pub. L. 103-465, set out as a note under section 154 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1992 AMENDMENT Section 2 of Pub. L. 102-444 provided that: "The amendment made by section 1 [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 23, 1992]." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1991 AMENDMENT Section 13 of Pub. L. 102-204 provided that: "This Act [amending this section, sections 6, 42, 202, 371, and 376 of this title, and section 1113 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, section 6 of this title, and section 1113 of Title 15, and amending and repealing provisions set out as notes under this section] takes effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 10, 1991], except that the fees established by the amendment made by section 5(a) [amending this section] shall take effect on or after 1 day after such fees are published in the Federal Register." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 98-622, title II, Sec. 207, Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3389, provided that: "Section 206 of this Act [98 Stat. 3388] and the amendments made by this title [amending this section, sections 7, 134, 135, 141, 145, 146, and 305 of this title, section 1295 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, and sections 2182 and 2457 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare] shall take effect three months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1984]." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Section 17(a) of Pub. L. 97-247 provided that: "Sections 1, 2, 4, 7, and 13 through 15 of this Act [amending sections 3, 6, 13, 115, and 261 of this title and section 1061 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 27, 1982]. Sections 3 and 16 of this Act [amending this section, sections 42 and 173 of this title, and section 113 of Title 15] shall take effect on October 1, 1982. The maintenance fees provided for in section 3(b) of this Act [amending this section] shall not apply to patents applied for prior to the date of enactment of this Act. Each patent applied for on or after the date of enactment of this Act shall be subject to the maintenance fees established pursuant to section 3(b) of this Act or to maintenance fees hereafter established by law, as to the amounts paid and the number and timing of the payments." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1980 AMENDMENT Section 8 of Pub. L. 96-517 provided that: "(a) Sections 2, 4, and 5 of this Act [amending this section, section 154 of this title, and section 1113 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade] will take effect upon enactment [Dec. 12, 1980]. "(b) Section 1 of this Act [enacting sections 301 to 307 of this title] will take effect on the first day of the seventh month beginning after its enactment [Dec. 12, 1980] and will apply to patents in force as of that date or issued thereafter. "(c) Section 3 of this Act [amending section 42 of this title] will take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year beginning on or after one calendar year after enactment [Dec. 12, 1980]. However, until section 3 takes effect, the Commissioner may credit the Patent and Trademark Office appropriation account in the Treasury of the United States with the revenues from collected reexamination fees, which will be available to pay the costs to the Office of reexamination proceedings. "(d) Any fee in effect as of the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 1980] will remain in effect until a corresponding fee established under section 41 of title 35, United States Code, or section 1113 of title 15, United States Code, takes effect. "(e) Fees for maintaining a patent in force will not be applicable to patents applied for prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 1980]. "(f) Sections 6 and 7 of this Act [enacting sections 200 to 211 of this title and amending sections 2186, 2457, and 5908 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare] will take effect on the first day of the seventh month beginning after its enactment [Dec. 12, 1980]. Implementing regulations may be issued earlier. "(g) Sections 8 and 9 [enacting this note and provision set out as a note under section 14 of this title] will take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 1980]." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENTS Amendment by Pub. L. 94-131 effective Jan. 24, 1978, and applicable on and after that date to patent applications filed in the United States and to international applications, where applicable, see section 11 of Pub. L. 94-131, set out as an Effective Date note under section 351 of this title. Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1965 AMENDMENT Section 7 of Pub. L. 89-83 provided that: "(a) This Act [amending this section, sections 112, 151, 154, and 282 of this title, and section 1113 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, and repealing section 266 of this title] shall take effect three months after its enactment [July 24, 1965]. "(b) Items 1, 3, and 4 of section 41(a) of title 35, United States Code, as amended by section 1 of this Act, do not apply in further proceedings in applications filed prior to the effective date of this Act. "(c) Item 2 of section 41(a), as amended by section 1 of this Act [item 2 of subsec. (a) of this section], and section 4 of this Act [amending section 151 of this title] do not apply in cases in which the notice of allowance of the application was sent, or in which a patent issued, prior to the effective date; and, in such cases, the fee due is the fee specified in this title prior to the effective date of this Act. "(d) Item 3 of section 31 of the Trademark Act, as amended by section 3 of this Act [item 3 of section 1113(a) of Title 15], applies only in the case of registrations issued and registrations published under the provisions of section 12(c) of the Trademark Act [section 1062(c) of Title 15] on or after the effective date of this Act." TERMINATION OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (i)(4) of this section relating to annual reports to Congress, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104-66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 55 of House Document No. 103-7. PATENT AND TRADEMARK FEES IN CERTAIN FISCAL YEARS AFTER 2005 Pub. L. 108-447, div. B, title VIII, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2924, as amended by Pub. L. 109-289, div. B, title II, Sec. 20933, as added by Pub. L. 110-5, Sec. 2, Feb. 15, 2007, 121 Stat. 45, provided that: "SEC. 801. FEES FOR PATENT SERVICES. "(a) General Patent Fees. - During fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007, subsection (a) of section 41 of title 35, United States Code, shall be administered as though that subsection reads as follows: " '(a) General Fees. - The Director shall charge the following fees: " '(1) Filing and basic national fees. - " '(A) On filing each application for an original patent, except for design, plant, or provisional applications, $300. " '(B) On filing each application for an original design patent, $200. " '(C) On filing each application for an original plant patent, $200. " '(D) On filing each provisional application for an original patent, $200. " '(E) On filing each application for the reissue of a patent, $300. " '(F) The basic national fee for each international application filed under the treaty defined in section 351(a) of this title entering the national stage under section 371 of this title, $300. " '(G) In addition, excluding any sequence listing or computer program listing filed in an electronic medium as prescribed by the Director, for any application the specification and drawings of which exceed 100 sheets of paper (or equivalent as prescribed by the Director if filed in an electronic medium), $250 for each additional 50 sheets of paper (or equivalent as prescribed by the Director if filed in an electronic medium) or fraction thereof. " '(2) Excess claims fees. - In addition to the fee specified in paragraph (1) - " '(A) on filing or on presentation at any other time, $200 for each claim in independent form in excess of 3; " '(B) on filing or on presentation at any other time, $50 for each claim (whether dependent or independent) in excess of 20; and " '(C) for each application containing a multiple dependent claim, $360. For the purpose of computing fees under this paragraph, a multiple dependent claim referred to in section 112 of this title or any claim depending therefrom shall be considered as separate dependent claims in accordance with the number of claims to which reference is made. The Director may by regulation provide for a refund of any part of the fee specified in this paragraph for any claim that is canceled before an examination on the merits, as prescribed by the Director, has been made of the application under section 131 of this title. Errors in payment of the additional fees under this paragraph may be rectified in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Director. " '(3) Examination fees. - " '(A) For examination of each application for an original patent, except for design, plant, provisional, or international applications, $200. " '(B) For examination of each application for an original design patent, $130. " '(C) For examination of each application for an original plant patent, $160. " '(D) For examination of the national stage of each international application, $200. " '(E) For examination of each application for the reissue of a patent, $600. The provisions of section 111(a) of this title relating to the payment of the fee for filing the application shall apply to the payment of the fee specified in this paragraph with respect to an application filed under section 111(a) of this title. The provisions of section 371(d) of this title relating to the payment of the national fee shall apply to the payment of the fee specified in this paragraph with respect to an international application. " '(4) Issue fees. - " '(A) For issuing each original patent, except for design or plant patents, $1,400. " '(B) For issuing each original design patent, $800. " '(C) For issuing each original plant patent, $1,100. " '(D) For issuing each reissue patent, $1,400. " '(5) Disclaimer fee. - On filing each disclaimer, $130. " '(6) Appeal fees. - " '(A) On filing an appeal from the examiner to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, $500. " '(B) In addition, on filing a brief in support of the appeal, $500, and on requesting an oral hearing in the appeal before the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, $1,000. " '(7) Revival fees. - On filing each petition for the revival of an unintentionally abandoned application for a patent, for the unintentionally delayed payment of the fee for issuing each patent, or for an unintentionally delayed response by the patent owner in any reexamination proceeding, $1,500, unless the petition is filed under section 133 or 151 of this title, in which case the fee shall be $500. " '(8) Extension fees. - For petitions for 1-month extensions of time to take actions required by the Director in an application - " '(A) on filing a first petition, $120; " '(B) on filing a second petition, $330; and " '(C) on filing a third or subsequent petition, $570.' "(b) Patent Maintenance Fees. - During fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007, subsection (b) of section 41 of title 35, United States Code, shall be administered as though that subsection reads as follows: " '(b) Maintenance Fees. - The Director shall charge the following fees for maintaining in force all patents based on applications filed on or after December 12, 1980: " '(1) 3 years and 6 months after grant, $900. " '(2) 7 years and 6 months after grant, $2,300. " '(3) 11 years and 6 months after grant, $3,800. Unless payment of the applicable maintenance fee is received in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on or before the date the fee is due or within a grace period of 6 months thereafter, the patent will expire as of the end of such grace period. The Director may require the payment of a surcharge as a condition of accepting within such 6-month grace period the payment of an applicable maintenance fee. No fee may be established for maintaining a design or plant patent in force.' "(c) Patent Search Fees. - During fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007, subsection (d) of section 41 of title 35, United States Code, shall be administered as though that subsection reads as follows: " '(d) Patent Search and Other Fees. - " '(1) Patent search fees. - " '(A) The Director shall charge a fee for the search of each application for a patent, except for provisional applications. The Director shall establish the fees charged under this paragraph to recover an amount not to exceed the estimated average cost to the Office of searching applications for patent either by acquiring a search report from a qualified search authority, or by causing a search by Office personnel to be made, of each application for patent. For the 3-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the fee for a search by a qualified search authority of a patent application described in clause (i), (iv), or (v) of subparagraph (B) may not exceed $500, of a patent application described in clause (ii) of subparagraph (B) may not exceed $100, and of a patent application described in clause (iii) of subparagraph (B) may not exceed $300. The Director may not increase any such fee by more than 20 percent in each of the next three 1-year periods, and the Director may not increase any such fee thereafter. " '(B) For purposes of determining the fees to be established under this paragraph, the cost to the Office of causing a search of an application to be made by Office personnel shall be deemed to be - " '(i) $500 for each application for an original patent, except for design, plant, provisional, or international applications; " '(ii) $100 for each application for an original design patent; " '(iii) $300 for each application for an original plant patent; " '(iv) $500 for the national stage of each international application; and " '(v) $500 for each application for the reissue of a patent. " '(C) The provisions of section 111(a)(3) of this title relating to the payment of the fee for filing the application shall apply to the payment of the fee specified in this paragraph with respect to an application filed under section 111(a) of this title. The provisions of section 371(d) of this title relating to the payment of the national fee shall apply to the payment of the fee specified in this paragraph with respect to an international application. " '(D) The Director may by regulation provide for a refund of any part of the fee specified in this paragraph for any applicant who files a written declaration of express abandonment as prescribed by the Director before an examination has been made of the application under section 131 of this title, and for any applicant who provides a search report that meets the conditions prescribed by the Director. " '(E) For purposes of subparagraph (A), a "qualified search authority" may not include a commercial entity unless - " '(i) the Director conducts a pilot program of limited scope, conducted over a period of not more than 18 months, which demonstrates that searches by commercial entities of the available prior art relating to the subject matter of inventions claimed in patent applications - " '(I) are accurate; and " '(II) meet or exceed the standards of searches conducted by and used by the Patent and Trademark Office during the patent examination process; " '(ii) the Director submits a report on the results of the pilot program to Congress and the Patent Public Advisory Committee that includes - " '(I) a description of the scope and duration of the pilot program; " '(II) the identity of each commercial entity participating in the pilot program; " '(III) an explanation of the methodology used to evaluate the accuracy and quality of the search reports; and " '(IV) an assessment of the effects that the pilot program, as compared to searches conducted by the Patent and Trademark Office, had and will have on - " '(aa) patentability determinations; " '(bb) productivity of the Patent and Trademark Office; " '(cc) costs to the Patent and Trademark Office; " '(dd) costs to patent applicants; and " '(ee) other relevant factors; " '(iii) the Patent Public Advisory Committee reviews and analyzes the Director's report under clause (ii) and the results of the pilot program and submits a separate report on its analysis to the Director and the Congress that includes - " '(I) an independent evaluation of the effects that the pilot program, as compared to searches conducted by the Patent and Trademark Office, had and will have on the factors set forth in clause (ii)(IV); and " '(II) an analysis of the reasonableness, appropriateness, and effectiveness of the methods used in the pilot program to make the evaluations required under clause (ii)(IV); and " '(iv) Congress does not, during the 1-year period beginning on the date on which the Patent Public Advisory Committee submits its report to the Congress under clause (iii), enact a law prohibiting searches by commercial entities of the available prior art relating to the subject matter of inventions claimed in patent applications. " '(F) The Director shall require that any search by a qualified search authority that is a commercial entity is conducted in the United States by persons that - " '(i) if individuals, are United States citizens; and " '(ii) if business concerns, are organized under the laws of the United States or any State and employ United States citizens to perform the searches. " '(G) A search of an application that is the subject of a secrecy order under section 181 or otherwise involves classified information may only be conducted by Office personnel. " '(H) A qualified search authority that is a commercial entity may not conduct a search of a patent application if the entity has any direct or indirect financial interest in any patent or in any pending or imminent application for patent filed or to be filed in the Patent and Trademark Office. " '(2) Other fees. - The Director shall establish fees for all other processing, services, or materials relating to patents not specified in this section to recover the estimated average cost to the Office of such processing, services, or materials, except that the Director shall charge the following fees for the following services: " '(A) For recording a document affecting title, $40 per property. " '(B) For each photocopy, $.25 per page. " '(C) For each black and white copy of a patent, $3. The yearly fee for providing a library specified in section 12 of this title with uncertified printed copies of the specifications and drawings for all patents in that year shall be $50.' "(d) Adjustments. - During fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007, subsection (f) of section 41 of title 35, United States Code, shall apply to the fees established under this section. "(e) Fees For Small Entities. - During fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007, subsection (h) of section 41 of title 35, United States Code, shall be administered as though that subsection is amended - "(1) in paragraph (1), by striking 'Fees charged under subsection (a) or (b)' and inserting 'Subject to paragraph (3), fees charged under subsections (a), (b), and (d)(1)'; and "(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: " '(3) The fee charged under subsection (a)(1)(A) shall be reduced by 75 percent with respect to its application to any entity to which paragraph (1) applies, if the application is filed by electronic means as prescribed by the Director.' "SEC. 802. ADJUSTMENT OF TRADEMARK FEES. "(a) Fee For Filing Application. - During fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007, under such conditions as may be prescribed by the Director, the fee under section 31(a) of the Trademark Act of 1946 (15 U.S.C. 1113(a)) for: (1) the filing of a paper application for the registration of a trademark shall be $375; (2) the filing of an electronic application shall be $325; and (3) the filing of an electronic application meeting certain additional requirements prescribed by the Director shall be $275. During fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007, the provisions of the second and third sentences of section 31(a) of the Trademark Act of 1946 shall apply to the fees established under this section. "(b) Reference to Trademark Act of 1946. - For purposes of this section, the 'Trademark Act of 1946' refers to the Act entitled 'An Act to provide for the registration and protection of trademarks used in commerce, to carry out the provisions of certain international conventions, and for other purposes.', approved July 5, 1946 (15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.). "SEC. 803. EFFECTIVE DATE, APPLICABILITY, AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISION. "(a) Effective Date. - Except as otherwise provided in this title (including this section), the provisions of this title shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 8, 2004] and shall apply only with respect to the remaining portion of fiscal year 2005 and fiscal year 2006. "(b) Applicability. - "(1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), the provisions of section 801 shall apply to all patents, whenever granted, and to all patent applications pending on or filed after the effective date set forth in subsection (a) of this section. "(B)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), subsections (a)(1) and (3) and (d)(1) of section 41 of title 35, United States Code, as administered as provided in this title, shall apply only to - "(I) applications for patents filed under section 111 of title 35, United States Code, on or after the effective date set forth in subsection (a) of this section, and "(II) international applications entering the national stage under section 371 of title 35, United States Code, for which the basic national fee specified in section 41 of title 35, United States Code, was not paid before the effective date set forth in subsection (a) of this section. "(ii) Section 41(a)(1)(D) of title 35, United States Code, as administered as provided in this title, shall apply only to applications for patent filed under section 111(b) of title 35, United States Code, before, on, or after the effective date set forth in subsection (a) of this section in which the filing fee specified in section 41 of title 35, United States Code, was not paid before the effective date set forth in subsection (a) of this section. "(C) Section 41(a)(2) of title 35, United States Code, as administered as provided in this title, shall apply only to the extent that the number of excess claims, after giving effect to any cancellation of claims, is in excess of the number of claims for which the excess claims fee specified in section 41 of title 35, United States Code, was paid before the effective date set forth in subsection (a) of this section. "(2) The provisions of section 802 shall apply to all applications for the registration of a trademark filed or amended on or after the effective date set forth in subsection (a) of this section. "(c) Transitional Provisions. - "(1) Search fees. - During fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007, the Director shall charge - "(A) for the search of each application for an original patent, except for design, plant, provisional, or international application, $500; "(B) for the search of each application for an original design patent, $100; "(C) for the search of each application for an original plant patent, $300; "(D) for the search of the national stage of each international application, $500; and "(E) for the search of each application for the reissue of a patent, $500. "(2) Timing of fees. - The provisions of section 111(a)(3) of title 35, United States Code, relating to the payment of the fee for filing the application shall apply to the payment of the fee specified in paragraph (1) with respect to an application filed under section 111(a) of title 35, United States Code. The provisions of section 371(d) of title 35, United States Code, relating to the payment of the national fee shall apply to the payment of the fee specified in paragraph (1) with respect to an international application. "SEC. 804. DEFINITION. "In this title, the term 'Director' means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office." [Pub. L. 110-161, div. B, title I, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 1888, provided in part: "That sections 801, 802, and 803 of division B, Public Law 108-447 [set out above] shall remain in effect during fiscal year 2008".] STUDY ON ALTERNATIVE FEE STRUCTURES Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4204], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-555, provided that: "The Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office shall conduct a study of alternative fee structures that could be adopted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office to encourage maximum participation by the inventor community in the United States. The Director shall submit such study to the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Senate not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999]." COST RECOVERY FOR PUBLICATION Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4506], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-565, provided that: "The Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office shall recover the cost of early publication required by the amendment made by section 4502 [amending section 122 of this title] by charging a separate publication fee after notice of allowance is given under section 151 of title 35, United States Code." CONTINUATION OF MAINTENANCE Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4804(d)(2)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-590, provided that: "The Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office shall not, pursuant to the amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section], cease to maintain, for use by the public, paper or microform collections of United States patents, foreign patent documents, and United States trademark registrations, except pursuant to notice and opportunity for public comment and except that the Director shall first submit a report to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and the House of Representatives detailing such plan, including a description of the mechanisms in place to ensure the integrity of such collections and the data contained therein, as well as to ensure prompt public access to the most current available information, and certifying that the implementation of such plan will not negatively impact the public." ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC PATENT INFORMATION Pub. L. 105-289, Sec. 4, Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2781, provided that: "(a) In General. - The United States Patent and Trademark Office shall develop and implement statewide computer networks with remote library sites in requesting rural States such that citizens in those States will have enhanced access to information in their State's patent and trademark depository library. "(b) Definition. - In this section, the term 'rural States' means the States that qualified on January 1, 1997, as rural States under section 1501(b) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 379bb(b) [3796bb(b)])." WAIVER OF CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS Section 2(c) of Pub. L. 102-204 provided that: "Surcharges established for fiscal year 1992 under section 10101(c) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 [Pub. L. 101-508, set out below] may take effect on or after 1 day after such surcharges are published in the Federal Register. Section 553 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to the establishment of such surcharges for fiscal year 1992." UNSPECIFIED PATENT FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 1992; EFFECTIVE DATE CONTINGENT UPON PUBLICATION IN FEDERAL REGISTER Section 5(c)(2) of Pub. L. 102-204 provided that fees established by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks under subsec. (d) of this section during fiscal year 1992 could take effect on or after 1 day after being published in the Federal Register, and that subsec. (g) of this section and section 553 of title 5 were not to apply to the establishment of such fees during fiscal year 1992. PATENT INFORMATION DISSEMINATION Section 11 of Pub. L. 102-204 set out definitions, established a patent information demonstration program, stipulated the information to be disseminated, provided for fees for CD-ROM purchase, and required a report to Congress one year after Dec. 10, 1991. SURCHARGES ON PATENT FEES Pub. L. 101-508, title X, Sec. 10101(a)-(c), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388-391, as amended by Pub. L. 102-204, Sec. 2(b), Dec. 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 1636; Pub. L. 103-66, title VIII, Sec. 8001, Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 402, provided for surcharges for fees under this section during fiscal years 1991 through 1998, and stipulated how surcharges would be used and credited in those fiscal years. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS Pub. L. 101-508, title X, Sec. 10103, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388-392, provided that: "Except for section 10101(d) [not classified to the Code], nothing in this subtitle [subtitle B (Secs. 10101-10103) of title X of Pub. L. 101-508, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1 of this title] affects the provisions of Public Law 100-703 (102 Stat. 4674 and following) [see Tables for classification]." PUBLIC ACCESS TO PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE INFORMATION Pub. L. 100-703, title I, Sec. 104(b), (c), Nov. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 4675, provided that the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks maintain patent and trademark collections, search rooms, and libraries for use by the public without fees and authorized establishment of fees for access by the public to automated search systems of the Patent and Trademark Office, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102-204, Sec. 9, Dec. 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 1641. See section 41(i) of this title. Pub. L. 99-607, Sec. 4, Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3471, provided that the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks could not impose a fee for use of public patent or trademark search rooms and libraries and that costs of such rooms and libraries should come from amounts appropriated by Congress, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 100-703, title I, Sec. 104(a), Nov. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 4675. PATENT FEES Pub. L. 100-703, title I, Sec. 103(b), Nov. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 4674, prohibited Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, during fiscal years 1989, 1990, and 1991, from increasing fees established under subsec. (d) of this section, except for purposes of making adjustments which in the aggregate did not exceed fluctuations during the previous three years in the Consumer Price Index, and from establishing additional fees under such section during such fiscal years. Similar provisions were contained in Pub. L. 99-607, Sec. 3(b), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3471. Section 404 of Pub. L. 98-622 provided that: "(a) Notwithstanding section 41 of title 35, United States Code, as in effect before the enactment of Public Law 97-247 (96 Stat. 317) [Aug. 27, 1982], no fee shall be collected for maintaining a plant patent in force. "(b) Notwithstanding section 41(c) of title 35, United States Code, as in effect before the enactment of Public Law 97-247 (96 Stat. 317) [Aug. 27, 1982], the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks [now Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office] may accept, after the six-month grace period referred to in such section 41(c), the payment of any maintenance fee due on any patent based on an application filed in the Patent and Trademark Office on or after December 12, 1980, and before August 27, 1982, to the same extent as in the case of patents based on applications filed in the Patent and Trademark Office on or after August 27, 1982." -FOOTNOTE- (!1) See References in Text note below. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 42 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART I - UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER 4 - PATENT FEES; FUNDING; SEARCH SYSTEMS -HEAD- Sec. 42. Patent and Trademark Office funding -STATUTE- (a) All fees for services performed by or materials furnished by the Patent and Trademark Office will be payable to the Director. (b) All fees paid to the Director and all appropriations for defraying the costs of the activities of the Patent and Trademark Office will be credited to the Patent and Trademark Office Appropriation Account in the Treasury of the United States. (c) To the extent and in the amounts provided in advance in appropriations Acts, fees authorized in this title or any other Act to be charged or established by the Director shall be collected by and shall be available to the Director to carry out the activities of the Patent and Trademark Office. All fees available to the Director under section 31 of the Trademark Act of 1946 shall be used only for the processing of trademark registrations and for other activities, services, and materials relating to trademarks and to cover a proportionate share of the administrative costs of the Patent and Trademark Office. (d) The Director may refund any fee paid by mistake or any amount paid in excess of that required. (e) The Secretary of Commerce shall, on the day each year on which the President submits the annual budget to the Congress, provide to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and the House of Representatives - (1) a list of patent and trademark fee collections by the Patent and Trademark Office during the preceding fiscal year; (2) a list of activities of the Patent and Trademark Office during the preceding fiscal year which were supported by patent fee expenditures, trademark fee expenditures, and appropriations; (3) budget plans for significant programs, projects, and activities of the Office, including out-year funding estimates; (4) any proposed disposition of surplus fees by the Office; and (5) such other information as the committees consider necessary. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 796; Pub. L. 94-131, Sec. 4, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 690; Pub. L. 96-517, Sec. 3, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 3018; Pub. L. 97-247, Sec. 3(g), Aug. 27, 1982, 96 Stat. 319; Pub. L. 97-258, Sec. 3(i), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1065; Pub. L. 102-204, Secs. 4, 5(e), Dec. 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 1637, 1640; Pub. L. 105-358, Sec. 4, Nov. 10, 1998, 112 Stat. 3274; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4205, 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-555, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107- 273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 79 (Mar. 6, 1920, ch. 94, Sec. 1 (part), 41 Stat. 503, 512). Language has been changed. -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT Section 31 of the Trademark Act of 1946, referred to in subsec. (c), is classified to section 1113 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -MISC2- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106-113 substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing and, in second sentence, substituted "All fees available" for "Fees available" and "shall be used" for "may be used". Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". 1998 - Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105-358 substituted first sentence for former first sentence which read as follows: "Revenues from fees shall be available to the Commissioner to carry out, to the extent provided in appropriation Acts, the activities of the Patent and Trademark Office." 1991 - Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102-204, Sec. 5(e), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: "Revenues from fees will be available to the Commissioner of Patents to carry out, to the extent provided for in appropriation Acts, the activities of the Patent and Trademark Office. Fees available to the Commissioner under section 31 of the Trademark Act of 1946, as amended (15 U.S.C. 1113), shall be used exclusively for the processing of trademark registrations and for other services and materials related to trademarks." Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102-204, Sec. 4, added subsec. (e). 1982 - Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97-258 struck out ", the provisions of section 725e of title 31, United States Code, notwithstanding" after "United States". Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97-247 inserted provision that fees available to the Commissioner under section 31 of the Trademark Act of 1946, as amended (15 U.S.C. 1113), be used exclusively for the processing of trademark registrations and for other services and materials related to trademarks. 1980 - Pub. L. 96-517 designated existing provision relating to payment of patent fees as subsec. (a) and struck out provision that, except as provided in sections 361(b) and 376(b) of this title, the Commissioner deposit fees paid in the Treasury of the United States in such manner as directed by the Secretary of the Treasury, designated existing provision relating to return of excess amounts paid as subsec. (d), and added subsecs. (b) and (c). 1975 - Pub. L. 94-131 inserted ", except as provided in sections 361(b) and 376(b) of this title,". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 105-358 effective Oct. 1, 1998, see section 5 of Pub. L. 105-358, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-247 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 17(a) of Pub. L. 97-247, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1980 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 96-517 effective on first day of first fiscal year beginning on or after one calendar year after Dec. 12, 1980, subject to authorization of appropriation account credits from collected reexamination fees prior to the effective date, made available for payment of reexamination proceedings costs, see section 8(c) of Pub. L. 96-517, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 94-131 effective Jan. 24, 1978, and applicable on and after that date to patent applications filed in the United States and to international applications, where applicable, see section 11 of Pub. L. 94-131, set out as an Effective Date note under section 351 of this title. AUTHORIZATION OF AMOUNTS AVAILABLE TO THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13102, Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1899, provided that: "(a) In General. - There are authorized to be appropriated to the United States Patent and Trademark Office for salaries and necessary expenses for each of the fiscal years 2003 through 2008 an amount equal to the fees estimated by the Secretary of Commerce to be collected in each such fiscal year, respectively, under - "(1) title 35, United States Code; and "(2) the Act entitled 'An Act to provide for the registration and protection of trademarks used in commerce, to carry out the provisions of certain international conventions, and for other purposes', approved July 5, 1946 (15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.) (commonly referred to as the Trademark Act of 1946). "(b) Estimates. - Not later than February 15, of each fiscal year, the Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and the Director of the Patent and Trademark Office (in this subtitle [subtitle A (Secs. 13101-13106) of title III of div. C of Pub. L. 107-273, amending sections 134, 141, 303, 312, and 315 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 2, 134, and 303 of this title] referred to as the Director) shall submit an estimate of all fees referred to under subsection (a) to be collected in the next fiscal year to the chairman and ranking member of - "(1) the Committees on Appropriations and Judiciary of the Senate; and "(2) the Committees on Appropriations and Judiciary of the House of Representatives." APPROPRIATIONS AUTHORIZED TO BE CARRIED OVER Pub. L. 100-703, title I, Sec. 102, Nov. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 4674, provided that: "Amounts appropriated under this Act and such fees as may be collected under title 35, United States Code, and the Trademark Act of 1946 (15 U.S.C. 1051 and following) may remain available until expended." Similar provisions were contained in the following prior authorization act: Pub. L. 99-607, Sec. 2, Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3470. -End- -CITE- 35 USC PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS -HEAD- PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS -MISC1- Chap. Sec. 10. Patentability of Inventions 100 11. Application for Patent 111 12. Examination of Application 131 13. Review of Patent and Trademark Office Decisions 141 14. Issue of Patent 151 15. Plant Patents 161 16. Designs 171 17. Secrecy of Certain Inventions and Filing Applications Abroad (!1) 181 18. Patent Rights in Inventions Made with Federal Assistance 200 AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(a)(6), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1904, substituted "Examination of Application" for "Examination of Applications" in heading of chapter 12. 1982 - Pub. L. 97-256, title I, Sec. 101(6), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 816, added item for chapter 18. 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949, substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office" in heading of chapter 13. -FOOTNOTE- (!1) So in original. Does not conform to chapter heading. -End- -CITE- 35 USC CHAPTER 10 - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 10 - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS -HEAD- CHAPTER 10 - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS -MISC1- Sec. 100. Definitions. 101. Inventions patentable. 102. Conditions for patentability; novelty and loss of right to patent. 103. Conditions for patentability; non-obvious subject matter. 104. Invention made abroad. 105. Inventions in outer space. AMENDMENTS 1990 - Pub. L. 101-580, Sec. 1(b), Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2863, added item 105. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 100 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 10 - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 100. Definitions -STATUTE- When used in this title unless the context otherwise indicates - (a) The term "invention" means invention or discovery. (b) The term "process" means process, art or method, and includes a new use of a known process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, or material. (c) The terms "United States" and "this country" mean the United States of America, its territories and possessions. (d) The word "patentee" includes not only the patentee to whom the patent was issued but also the successors in title to the patentee. (e) The term "third-party requester" means a person requesting ex parte reexamination under section 302 or inter partes reexamination under section 311 who is not the patent owner. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 797; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4603], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-567.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Paragraph (a) is added only to avoid repetition of the phrase "invention or discovery" and its derivatives throughout the revised title. The present statutes use the phrase "invention or discovery" and derivatives. Paragraph (b) is noted under section 101. Paragraphs (c) and (d) are added to avoid the use of long expressions in various parts of the revised title. AMENDMENTS 1999 - Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106-113 added subsec. (e). EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 1999, and applicable to any patent issuing from an original application filed in the United States on or after that date, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4608(a)] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 101 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 10 - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 101. Inventions patentable -STATUTE- Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 797.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 31 (R.S. 4886, amended (1) Mar. 3, 1897, ch. 391, Sec. 1, 29 Stat. 692, (2) May 23, 1930, ch. 312, Sec. 1, 46 Stat. 376, (3) Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 450, Sec. 1, 53 Stat. 1212). The corresponding section of existing statute is split into two sections, section 101 relating to the subject matter for which patents may be obtained, and section 102 defining statutory novelty and stating other conditions for patentability. Section 101 follows the wording of the existing statute as to the subject matter for patents, except that reference to plant patents has been omitted for incorporation in section 301 and the word "art" has been replaced by "process", which is defined in section 100. The word "art" in the corresponding section of the existing statute has a different meaning than the same word as used in other places in the statute; it has been interpreted by the courts as being practically synonymous with process or method. "Process" has been used as its meaning is more readily grasped than "art" as interpreted, and the definition in section 100(b) makes it clear that "process or method" is meant. The remainder of the definition clarifies the status of processes or methods which involve merely the new use of a known process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, or material; they are processes or methods under the statute and may be patented provided the conditions for patentability are satisfied. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 102 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 10 - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 102. Conditions for patentability; novelty and loss of right to patent -STATUTE- A person shall be entitled to a patent unless - (a) the invention was known or used by others in this country, or patented or described in a printed publication in this or a foreign country, before the invention thereof by the applicant for patent, or (b) the invention was patented or described in a printed publication in this or a foreign country or in public use or on sale in this country, more than one year prior to the date of the application for patent in the United States, or (c) he has abandoned the invention, or (d) the invention was first patented or caused to be patented, or was the subject of an inventor's certificate, by the applicant or his legal representatives or assigns in a foreign country prior to the date of the application for patent in this country on an application for patent or inventor's certificate filed more than twelve months before the filing of the application in the United States, or (e) the invention was described in (1) an application for patent, published under section 122(b), by another filed in the United States before the invention by the applicant for patent or (2) a patent granted on an application for patent by another filed in the United States before the invention by the applicant for patent, except that an international application filed under the treaty defined in section 351(a) shall have the effects for the purposes of this subsection of an application filed in the United States only if the international application designated the United States and was published under Article 21(2) of such treaty in the English language; (!1) or (f) he did not himself invent the subject matter sought to be patented, or (g)(1) during the course of an interference conducted under section 135 or section 291, another inventor involved therein establishes, to the extent permitted in section 104, that before such person's invention thereof the invention was made by such other inventor and not abandoned, suppressed, or concealed, or (2) before such person's invention thereof, the invention was made in this country by another inventor who had not abandoned, suppressed, or concealed it. In determining priority of invention under this subsection, there shall be considered not only the respective dates of conception and reduction to practice of the invention, but also the reasonable diligence of one who was first to conceive and last to reduce to practice, from a time prior to conception by the other. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 797; Pub. L. 92-358, Sec. 2, July 28, 1972, 86 Stat. 502; Pub. L. 94-131, Sec. 5, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 691; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4505, 4806], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-565, 1501A- 590; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13205(1), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1902.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) are based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 31 (R.S. 4886, amended (1) Mar. 3, 1897, ch. 391, Sec. 1, 29 Stat. 692, (2) May 23, 1930, ch. 312, Sec. 1, 46 Stat. 376, (3) Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 450, Sec. 1, 53 Stat. 1212). No change is made in these paragraphs other than that due to division into lettered paragraphs. The interpretation by the courts of paragraph (a) as being more restricted than the actual language would suggest (for example, "known" has been held to mean "publicly known") is recognized but no change in the language is made at this time. Paragraph (a) together with section 104 contains the substance of Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 72 (R.S. 4923). Paragraph (d) is based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 32, first paragraph (R.S. 4887 (first paragraph), amended (1) Mar. 3, 1897, ch. 391, Sec. 3, 29 Stat. 692, 693, (2) Mar. 3, 1903, ch. 1019, Sec. 1, 32 Stat. 1225, 1226, (3) June 19, 1936, ch. 594, 49 Stat. 1529). The section has been changed so that the prior foreign patent is not a bar unless it was granted before the filing of the application in the United States. Paragraph (e) is new and enacts the rule of Milburn v. Davis- Bournonville, 270 U.S. 390, by reason of which a United States patent disclosing an invention dates from the date of filing the application for the purpose of anticipating a subsequent inventor. Paragraph (f) indicates the necessity for the inventor as the party applying for patent. Subsequent sections permit certain persons to apply in place of the inventor under special circumstances. Paragraph (g) is derived from Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 69 (R.S. 4920, amended (1) Mar. 3, 1897, ch. 391, Sec. 2, 29 Stat. 692, (2) Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 450, Sec. 1, 53 Stat. 1212), the second defense recited in this section. This paragraph retains the present rules of law governing the determination of priority of invention. Language relating specifically to designs is omitted for inclusion in subsequent sections. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107-273, amended Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4505]. See 1999 Amendment note below. Prior to being amended by Pub. L. 107-273, Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4505], had amended subsec. (e) to read as follows: "The invention was described in - "(1) an application for patent, published under section 122(b), by another filed in the United States before the invention by the applicant for patent, except that an international application filed under the treaty defined in section 351(a) shall have the effect under this subsection of a national application published under section 122(b) only if the international application designating the United States was published under Article 21(2)(a) of such treaty in the English language; or "(2) a patent granted on an application for patent by another filed in the United States before the invention by the applicant for patent, except that a patent shall not be deemed filed in the United States for the purposes of this subsection based on the filing of an international application filed under the treaty defined in section 351(a); or". 1999 - Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4505], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) read as follows: "the invention was described in a patent granted on an application for patent by another filed in the United States before the invention thereof by the applicant for patent, or on an international application by another who has fulfilled the requirements of paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of section 371(c) of this title before the invention thereof by the applicant for patent, or". Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4806], amended subsec. (g) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (g) read as follows: "before the applicant's invention thereof the invention was made in this country by another who had not abandoned, suppressed, or concealed it. In determining priority of invention there shall be considered not only the respective dates of conception and reduction to practice of the invention, but also the reasonable diligence of one who was first to conceive and last to reduce to practice, from a time prior to conception by the other." 1975 - Par. (e). Pub. L. 94-131 inserted provision for nonentitlement to a patent where the invention was described in a patent granted on an international application by another who has fulfilled the requirements of pars. (1), (2), and (4) of section 371(c) of this title before the invention thereof by the applicant for patent. 1972 - Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 92-358 inserted reference to inventions that were the subject of an inventors' certificate. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4505] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 2000 and applicable to all patents and all applications for patents pending on or filed after Nov. 29, 2000, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4508] of Pub. L. 106- 113, as amended, set out as a note under section 10 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 94-131 effective Jan. 24, 1978, and applicable on and after that date to patent applications filed in the United States and to international applications, where applicable, see section 11 of Pub. L. 94-131, set out as an Effective Date note under section 351 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1972 AMENDMENT Section 3(b) of Pub. L. 92-358 provided that: "Section 2 of this Act [amending this section] shall take effect six months from the date when Articles 1 to 12 of the Paris Convention of March 20, 1883, for the Protection of Industrial Property, as revised at Stockholm, July 14, 1967, come into force with respect to the United States [Aug. 25, 1973] and shall apply to applications thereafter filed in the United States." SAVINGS PROVISION Section 4 of act July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 815, provided that subsection (d) of this section should not apply to existing patents and pending applications, but that the law previously in effect, namely the first paragraph of R.S. 4887 [first paragraph of section 32 of former Title 35], should apply to such patents and applications. Said paragraph of section 32 provided that: "No person otherwise entitled thereto shall be debarred from receiving a patent for his invention or discovery, nor shall any patent be declared invalid by reason of its having been first patented or caused to be patented by the inventor or his legal representatives or assigns in a foreign country, unless the application for said foreign patent was filed more than twelve months, in cases within the provisions of section 31 of this title, and six months in cases of designs, prior to the filing of the application in this country, in which case no patent shall be granted in this country." EMERGENCY RELIEF FROM POSTAL SITUATION AFFECTING PATENT CASES Relief as to filing date of patent application or patent affected by postal situation beginning on Mar. 18, 1970, and ending on or about Mar. 30, 1970, but patents issued with earlier filing dates not effective as prior art under subsec. (e) of this section of such earlier filing dates, see note set out under section 111 of this title. -FOOTNOTE- (!1) So in original. The semicolon probably should be a comma. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 103 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 10 - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 103. Conditions for patentability; non-obvious subject matter -STATUTE- (a) A patent may not be obtained though the invention is not identically disclosed or described as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which said subject matter pertains. Patentability shall not be negatived by the manner in which the invention was made. (b)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), and upon timely election by the applicant for patent to proceed under this subsection, a biotechnological process using or resulting in a composition of matter that is novel under section 102 and nonobvious under subsection (a) of this section shall be considered nonobvious if - (A) claims to the process and the composition of matter are contained in either the same application for patent or in separate applications having the same effective filing date; and (B) the composition of matter, and the process at the time it was invented, were owned by the same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same person. (2) A patent issued on a process under paragraph (1) - (A) shall also contain the claims to the composition of matter used in or made by that process, or (B) shall, if such composition of matter is claimed in another patent, be set to expire on the same date as such other patent, notwithstanding section 154. (3) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "biotechnological process" means - (A) a process of genetically altering or otherwise inducing a single- or multi-celled organism to - (i) express an exogenous nucleotide sequence, (ii) inhibit, eliminate, augment, or alter expression of an endogenous nucleotide sequence, or (iii) express a specific physiological characteristic not naturally associated with said organism; (B) cell fusion procedures yielding a cell line that expresses a specific protein, such as a monoclonal antibody; and (C) a method of using a product produced by a process defined by subparagraph (A) or (B), or a combination of subparagraphs (A) and (B). (c)(1) Subject matter developed by another person, which qualifies as prior art only under one or more of subsections (e), (f), and (g) of section 102 of this title, shall not preclude patentability under this section where the subject matter and the claimed invention were, at the time the claimed invention was made, owned by the same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same person. (2) For purposes of this subsection, subject matter developed by another person and a claimed invention shall be deemed to have been owned by the same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same person if - (A) the claimed invention was made by or on behalf of parties to a joint research agreement that was in effect on or before the date the claimed invention was made; (B) the claimed invention was made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of the joint research agreement; and (C) the application for patent for the claimed invention discloses or is amended to disclose the names of the parties to the joint research agreement. (3) For purposes of paragraph (2), the term "joint research agreement" means a written contract, grant, or cooperative agreement entered into by two or more persons or entities for the performance of experimental, developmental, or research work in the field of the claimed invention. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 798; Pub. L. 98-622, title I, Sec. 103, Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3384; Pub. L. 104-41, Sec. 1, Nov. 1, 1995, 109 Stat. 351; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4807(a)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-591; Pub. L. 108-453, Sec. 2, Dec. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 3596.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES There is no provision corresponding to the first sentence explicitly stated in the present statutes, but the refusal of patents by the Patent Office, and the holding of patents invalid by the courts, on the ground of lack of invention or lack of patentable novelty has been followed since at least as early as 1850. This paragraph is added with the view that an explicit statement in the statute may have some stabilizing effect, and also to serve as a basis for the addition at a later time of some criteria which may be worked out. The second sentence states that patentability as to this requirement is not to be negatived by the manner in which the invention was made, that is, it is immaterial whether it resulted from long toil and experimentation or from a flash of genius. AMENDMENTS 2004 - Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108-453 amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: "Subject matter developed by another person, which qualifies as prior art only under one or more of subsections (e), (f), and (g) of section 102 of this title, shall not preclude patentability under this section where the subject matter and the claimed invention were, at the time the invention was made, owned by the same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same person." 1999 - Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106-113 substituted "one or more of subsections (e), (f), and (g)" for "subsection (f) or (g)". 1995 - Pub. L. 104-41 designated first and second pars. as subsecs. (a) and (c), respectively, and added subsec. (b). 1984 - Pub. L. 98-622 inserted "Subject matter developed by another person, which qualifies as prior art only under subsection (f) or (g) of section 102 of this title, shall not preclude patentability under this section where the subject matter and the claimed invention were, at the time the invention was made, owned by the same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same person." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2004 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 108-453, Sec. 3, Dec. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 3596, provided that: "(a) In General. - The amendments made by this Act [amending this section] shall apply to any patent granted on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 10, 2004]. "(b) Special Rule. - The amendments made by this Act shall not affect any final decision of a court or the United States Patent and Trademark Office rendered before the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall not affect the right of any party in any action pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office or a court on the date of the enactment of this Act to have that party's rights determined on the basis of the provisions of title 35, United States Code, in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4807(b)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-591, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to any application for patent filed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999]." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1995 AMENDMENT Section 3 of Pub. L. 104-41 provided that: "The amendments made by section 1 [amending this section] shall apply to any application for patent filed on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 1, 1995] and to any application for patent pending on such date of enactment, including (in either case) an application for the reissuance of a patent." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Section 106 of Pub. L. 98-622 provided that: "(a) Subject to subsections (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this section, the amendments made by this Act [probably should be "this title", meaning title I of Pub. L. 98-622, enacting section 157 of this title, amending this section and sections 116, 120, 135, and 271 of this title, and enacting a provision set out as a note under section 157 of this title] shall apply to all United States patents granted before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1984], and to all applications for United States patents pending on or filed after the date of enactment. "(b) The amendments made by this Act shall not affect any final decision made by the court or the Patent and Trademark Office before the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1984], with respect to a patent or application for patent, if no appeal from such decision is pending and the time for filing an appeal has expired. "(c) Section 271(f) of title 35, United States Code, added by section 101 of this Act shall apply only to the supplying, or causing to be supplied, of any component or components of a patented invention after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1984]. "(d) No United States patent granted before the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1984] shall abridge or affect the right of any person or his successors in business who made, purchased, or used prior to such effective date anything protected by the patent, to continue the use of, or to sell to others to be used or sold, the specific thing so made, purchased, or used, if the patent claims were invalid or otherwise unenforceable on a ground obviated by section 103 or 104 of this Act [amending this section and sections 116 and 120 of this title] and the person made, purchased, or used the specific thing in reasonable reliance on such invalidity or unenforceability. If a person reasonably relied on such invalidity or unenforceability, the court before which such matter is in question may provide for the continued manufacture, use, or sale of the thing made, purchased, or used as specified, or for the manufacture, use, or sale of which substantial preparation was made before the date of enactment of this Act, and it may also provide for the continued practice of any process practiced, or for the practice of which substantial preparation was made, prior to the date of enactment, to the extent and under such terms as the court deems equitable for the protection of investments made or business commenced before the date of enactment. "(e) The amendments made by this Act shall not affect the right of any party in any case pending in court on the date of enactment [Nov. 8, 1984] to have their rights determined on the basis of the substantive law in effect prior to the date of enactment." -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 104 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 10 - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 104. Invention made abroad -STATUTE- (a) In General. - (1) Proceedings. - In proceedings in the Patent and Trademark Office, in the courts, and before any other competent authority, an applicant for a patent, or a patentee, may not establish a date of invention by reference to knowledge or use thereof, or other activity with respect thereto, in a foreign country other than a NAFTA country or a WTO member country, except as provided in sections 119 and 365 of this title. (2) Rights. - If an invention was made by a person, civil or military - (A) while domiciled in the United States, and serving in any other country in connection with operations by or on behalf of the United States, (B) while domiciled in a NAFTA country and serving in another country in connection with operations by or on behalf of that NAFTA country, or (C) while domiciled in a WTO member country and serving in another country in connection with operations by or on behalf of that WTO member country, that person shall be entitled to the same rights of priority in the United States with respect to such invention as if such invention had been made in the United States, that NAFTA country, or that WTO member country, as the case may be. (3) Use of information. - To the extent that any information in a NAFTA country or a WTO member country concerning knowledge, use, or other activity relevant to proving or disproving a date of invention has not been made available for use in a proceeding in the Patent and Trademark Office, a court, or any other competent authority to the same extent as such information could be made available in the United States, the Director, court, or such other authority shall draw appropriate inferences, or take other action permitted by statute, rule, or regulation, in favor of the party that requested the information in the proceeding. (b) Definitions. - As used in this section - (1) the term "NAFTA country" has the meaning given that term in section 2(4) of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act; and (2) the term "WTO member country" has the meaning given that term in section 2(10) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 798; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 94-131, Sec. 6, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 691; Pub. L. 98-622, title IV, Sec. 403(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3392; Pub. L. 103-182, title III, Sec. 331, Dec. 8, 1993, 107 Stat. 2113; Pub. L. 103-465, title V, Sec. 531(a), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4982; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 109 (Aug. 8, 1946, ch. 910, 60 Stat. 943). Language has been changed and the last sentence has been broadened to refer to persons serving in connection with operations by or on behalf of the United States, instead of solely in connection with the prosecution of the war. -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT Section 2(4) of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is classified to section 3301(4) of Title 19, Customs Duties. Section 2(10) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is classified to section 3501(10) of Title 19. -MISC2- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107- 273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". 1994 - Pub. L. 103-465 amended section generally, expanding scope of section to include WTO member countries along with NAFTA countries and defining term "WTO member country". 1993 - Pub. L. 103-182 amended section catchline and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In proceedings in the Patent and Trademark Office and in the courts, an applicant for a patent, or a patentee, may not establish a date of invention by reference to knowledge or use thereof, or other activity with respect thereto, in a foreign country, except as provided in sections 119 and 365 of this title. Where an invention was made by a person, civil or military, while domiciled in the United States and serving in a foreign country in connection with operations by or on behalf of the United States, he shall be entitled to the same rights of priority with respect to such invention as if the same had been made in the United States." 1984 - Pub. L. 98-622 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". 1975 - Pub. L. 94-131 inserted in exception provision reference to section 365 of this title relating to priority of applications having benefit of filing date of prior applications. Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Section 531(b) of Pub. L. 103-465 provided that: "(1) In general. - Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to all patent applications that are filed on or after the date that is 12 months after the date of entry into force of the WTO Agreement with respect to the United States [Jan. 1, 1995]. "(2) Establishment of date. - An applicant for a patent, or a patentee, may not establish a date of invention for purposes of title 35, United States Code, that is earlier than 12 months after the date of entry into force of the WTO Agreement with respect to the United States by reference to knowledge or use, or other activity, in a WTO member country, except as provided in sections 119 and 365 of such title." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1993 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 103-182 applicable to all patent applications filed on or after Dec. 8, 1993, provided that applicant for a patent, or a patentee, may not establish a date of invention by reference to knowledge or use thereof, or other activity with respect thereto, in NAFTA country, except as provided in sections 119 and 365 of this title, that is earlier than Dec. 8, 1993, see section 335(b) of Pub. L. 103-182, set out as a note under section 1052 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 98-622 effective on Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(a) of Pub. L. 98-622, set out as a note under section 351 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENTS Amendment by Pub. L. 94-131 effective Jan. 24, 1978, and applicable on and after that date to patent applications filed in the United States and to international applications, where applicable, see section 11 of Pub. L. 94-131, set out as an Effective Date note under section 351 of this title. Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 105 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 10 - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS -HEAD- Sec. 105. Inventions in outer space -STATUTE- (a) Any invention made, used or sold in outer space on a space object or component thereof under the jurisdiction or control of the United States shall be considered to be made, used or sold within the United States for the purposes of this title, except with respect to any space object or component thereof that is specifically identified and otherwise provided for by an international agreement to which the United States is a party, or with respect to any space object or component thereof that is carried on the registry of a foreign state in accordance with the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space. (b) Any invention made, used or sold in outer space on a space object or component thereof that is carried on the registry of a foreign state in accordance with the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space, shall be considered to be made, used or sold within the United States for the purposes of this title if specifically so agreed in an international agreement between the United States and the state of registry. -SOURCE- (Added Pub. L. 101-580, Sec. 1(a), Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2863.) -MISC1- EFFECTIVE DATE; SPECIAL RULES Section 2 of Pub. L. 101-580 provided that: "(a) Effective Date. - Subject to subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section, the amendments made by the first section of this Act [enacting this section] shall apply to all United States patents granted before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 1990], and to all applications for United States patents pending on or filed on or after such date of enactment. "(b) Final Decisions. - The amendments made by the first section of this Act [enacting this section] shall not affect any final decision made by a court or the Patent and Trademark Office before the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 1990] with respect to a patent or an application for a patent, if no appeal from such decision is pending and the time for filing an appeal has expired. "(c) Pending Cases. - The amendments made by the first section of this Act [enacting this section] shall not affect the right of any party in any case pending in a court on the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 1990] to have the party's rights determined on the basis of the substantive law in effect before such date of enactment. "(d) Non-Applicability. - The amendments made by the first section of this Act [enacting this section] shall not apply to any process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter, an embodiment of which was launched prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 1990]." -End- -CITE- 35 USC CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT -HEAD- CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT -MISC1- Sec. 111. Application. 112. Specification. 113. Drawings. 114. Models, specimens. 115. Oath of applicant. 116. Inventors. 117. Death or incapacity of inventor. 118. Filing by other than inventor. 119. Benefit of earlier filing date; right of priority. 120. Benefit of earlier filing date in the United States. 121. Divisional applications. 122. Confidential status of applications; publication of patent applications. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(a)(7), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1904, substituted "Inventors" for "Joint inventors" in item 116. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(5)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-566, inserted "; publication of patent applications" after "applications" in item 122. 1994 - Pub. L. 103-465, title V, Sec. 532(c)(6), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4987, substituted "Application" for "Application for patent" in item 111 and "Benefit of earlier filing date; right of priority" for "Benefit of earlier filing date in foreign country; right of priority" in item 119. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 111 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 111. Application -STATUTE- (a) In General. - (1) Written application. - An application for patent shall be made, or authorized to be made, by the inventor, except as otherwise provided in this title, in writing to the Director. (2) Contents. - Such application shall include - (A) a specification as prescribed by section 112 of this title; (B) a drawing as prescribed by section 113 of this title; and (C) an oath by the applicant as prescribed by section 115 of this title. (3) Fee and oath. - The application must be accompanied by the fee required by law. The fee and oath may be submitted after the specification and any required drawing are submitted, within such period and under such conditions, including the payment of a surcharge, as may be prescribed by the Director. (4) Failure to submit. - Upon failure to submit the fee and oath within such prescribed period, the application shall be regarded as abandoned, unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the Director that the delay in submitting the fee and oath was unavoidable or unintentional. The filing date of an application shall be the date on which the specification and any required drawing are received in the Patent and Trademark Office. (b) Provisional Application. - (1) Authorization. - A provisional application for patent shall be made or authorized to be made by the inventor, except as otherwise provided in this title, in writing to the Director. Such application shall include - (A) a specification as prescribed by the first paragraph of section 112 of this title; and (B) a drawing as prescribed by section 113 of this title. (2) Claim. - A claim, as required by the second through fifth paragraphs of section 112, shall not be required in a provisional application. (3) Fee. - (A) The application must be accompanied by the fee required by law. (B) The fee may be submitted after the specification and any required drawing are submitted, within such period and under such conditions, including the payment of a surcharge, as may be prescribed by the Director. (C) Upon failure to submit the fee within such prescribed period, the application shall be regarded as abandoned, unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the Director that the delay in submitting the fee was unavoidable or unintentional. (4) Filing date. - The filing date of a provisional application shall be the date on which the specification and any required drawing are received in the Patent and Trademark Office. (5) Abandonment. - Notwithstanding the absence of a claim, upon timely request and as prescribed by the Director, a provisional application may be treated as an application filed under subsection (a). Subject to section 119(e)(3) of this title, if no such request is made, the provisional application shall be regarded as abandoned 12 months after the filing date of such application and shall not be subject to revival after such 12- month period. (6) Other basis for provisional application. - Subject to all the conditions in this subsection and section 119(e) of this title, and as prescribed by the Director, an application for patent filed under subsection (a) may be treated as a provisional application for patent. (7) No right of priority or benefit of earliest filing date. - A provisional application shall not be entitled to the right of priority of any other application under section 119 or 365(a) of this title or to the benefit of an earlier filing date in the United States under section 120, 121, or 365(c) of this title. (8) Applicable provisions. - The provisions of this title relating to applications for patent shall apply to provisional applications for patent, except as otherwise provided, and except that provisional applications for patent shall not be subject to sections 115, 131, 135, and 157 of this title. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 798; Pub. L. 97-247, Sec. 5, Aug. 27, 1982, 96 Stat. 319; Pub. L. 103-465, title V, Sec. 532(b)(3), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4986; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4732(a)(10)(A), 4801(a)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582, 1501A-588; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 33 (R.S. 4888, amended (1) Mar. 3, 1915, ch. 94, Sec. 1, 38 Stat. 958; (2) May 23, 1930, ch. 312, Sec. 2, 46 Stat. 376). The corresponding section of existing statute is divided into an introductory section relating to the application generally (this section) and a section on the specification (sec. 112). The parts of the application are specified and the requirement for signature is placed in this general section so as to insure that only one signature will suffice. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsecs. (a)(1), (3), (4), (b)(1), (3)(B), (C), (6). Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment notes below. 1999 - Subsecs. (a)(1), (3), (4), (b)(1), (3)(B), (C). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4801(a)], amended heading and text of par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The provisional application shall be regarded as abandoned 12 months after the filing date of such application and shall not be subject to revival thereafter." Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". 1994 - Pub. L. 103-465 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: "Application for patent shall be made, or authorized to be made, by the inventor, except as otherwise provided in this title, in writing to the Commissioner. Such application shall include (1) a specification as prescribed by section 112 of this title; (2) a drawing as prescribed by section 113 of this title; and (3) an oath by the applicant as prescribed by section 115 of this title. The application must be accompanied by the fee required by law. The fee and oath may be submitted after the specification and any required drawing are submitted, within such period and under such conditions, including the payment of a surcharge, as may be prescribed by the Commissioner. Upon failure to submit the fee and oath within such prescribed period, the application shall be regarded as abandoned, unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that the delay in submitting the fee and oath was unavoidable. The filing date of an application shall be the date on which the specification and any required drawing are received in the Patent and Trademark Office." 1982 - Pub. L. 97-247 inserted ", or authorized to be made," after "shall be made", struck out the colon after "shall include", struck out "signed by the applicant and" after "The application", and inserted provisions that the fee and oath may be submitted after the specification and any required drawing are submitted, within such period and under such conditions, including the payment of a surcharge, as may be prescribed by the Commissioner, that upon failure to submit the fee and oath within such prescribed period, the application shall be regarded as abandoned, unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that the delay in submitting the fee and oath was unavoidable, and that the filing date of an application shall be the date on which the specification and any required drawing are received in the Patent and Trademark Office. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4801(a)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 1999, and applicable to any provisional application filed on or after June 8, 1995, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4801(d)] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 119 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 103-465 effective 6 months after Dec. 8, 1994, and applicable to all patent applications filed in the United States on or after that effective date, with provisions relating to earliest filed patent application, see section 534(b)(1), (3) of Pub. L. 103-465, set out as a note under section 154 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-247 effective six months after Aug. 27, 1982, see section 17(c) of Pub. L. 97-247, set out as an Effective Date note under section 294 of this title. EMERGENCY RELIEF FROM POSTAL SITUATION AFFECTING PATENT, TRADEMARK, AND OTHER FEDERAL CASES Pub. L. 92-34, June 30, 1971, 85 Stat. 87, provided that a patent or trademark application would be considered filed in the United States Patent Office on the date that it would have been received by the Patent Office except for the delay caused by emergency situation affecting postal service from Mar. 18, 1970 to Mar. 30, 1970, if a claim was made. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 112 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 112. Specification -STATUTE- The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention. A claim may be written in independent or, if the nature of the case admits, in dependent or multiple dependent form. Subject to the following paragraph, a claim in dependent form shall contain a reference to a claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A claim in dependent form shall be construed to incorporate by reference all the limitations of the claim to which it refers. A claim in multiple dependent form shall contain a reference, in the alternative only, to more than one claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A multiple dependent claim shall not serve as a basis for any other multiple dependent claim. A multiple dependent claim shall be construed to incorporate by reference all the limitations of the particular claim in relation to which it is being considered. An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 798; Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 9, July 24, 1965, 79 Stat. 261; Pub. L. 94-131, Sec. 7, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 691.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 33 (R.S. 4888, amended (1) Mar. 3, 1915, ch. 94, Sec. 1, 38 Stat. 958; (2) May 23, 1930, ch. 312, Sec. 2, 46 Stat. 376). The sentence relating to signature of the specification is omitted in view of the general requirement for a signature in section 111. The last sentence is omitted for inclusion in the chapter relating to plant patents. The clause relating to machines is omitted as unnecessary and the requirement for disclosing the best mode of carrying out the invention is stated as generally applicable to all types of invention (derived from Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 69, first defense). The clause relating to the claim is made a separate paragraph to emphasize the distinction between the description and the claim or definition, and the language is modified. A new paragraph relating to functional claims is added. AMENDMENTS 1975 - Pub. L. 94-131 substituted provision authorizing the writing of claims, if the nature of the case admits, in dependent or multiple dependent form for prior provision for writing claims in dependent form, required claims in dependent form to contain a reference to a claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed, substituted text respecting construction of a claim in dependent form so as to incorporate by reference all the limitations of the claim to which it refers for prior text for construction of a dependent claim to include all the limitations of the claim incorporated by reference into the dependent claim, and inserted paragraph respecting certain requirements for claims in multiple dependent form. 1965 - Pub. L. 89-83 permitted a claim to be written in independent or dependent form, and if in dependent form, required it to be construed to include all the limitations of the claim incorporated by reference into the dependent claim. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 94-131 effective Jan. 24, 1978, and applicable on and after that date to patent applications filed in the United States and to international applications, where applicable, see section 11 of Pub. L. 94-131, set out as an Effective Date note under section 351 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1965 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 89-83 effective three months after July 24, 1965, see section 7(a) of Pub. L. 89-83, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 113 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 113. Drawings -STATUTE- The applicant shall furnish a drawing where necessary for the understanding of the subject matter sought to be patented. When the nature of such subject matter admits of illustration by a drawing and the applicant has not furnished such a drawing, the Director may require its submission within a time period of not less than two months from the sending of a notice thereof. Drawings submitted after the filing date of the application may not be used (i) to overcome any insufficiency of the specification due to lack of an enabling disclosure or otherwise inadequate disclosure therein, or (ii) to supplement the original disclosure thereof for the purpose of interpretation of the scope of any claim. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 799; Pub. L. 94-131, Sec. 8, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 691; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 34, part (R.S. 4889, amended Mar. 3, 1915, ch. 94, Sec. 2, 38 Stat. 958). The requirement for signature in the corresponding section of existing statute is omitted; regulations of the Patent Office can take care of any substitute. A redundant clause is omitted. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". 1975 - Pub. L. 94-131 substituted provisions respecting drawings requiring necessary-for-understanding drawings and submission of drawings within prescribed time period and limiting use of drawings submitted after filing date of application for prior provision requiring the applicant to furnish a drawing when the nature of the case admitted it. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 94-131 effective Jan. 24, 1978, and applicable on and after that date to patent applications filed in the United States and to international applications, where applicable, see section 11 of Pub. L. 94-131, set out as an Effective Date note under section 351 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 114 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 114. Models, specimens -STATUTE- The Director may require the applicant to furnish a model of convenient size to exhibit advantageously the several parts of his invention. When the invention relates to a composition of matter, the Director may require the applicant to furnish specimens or ingredients for the purpose of inspection or experiment. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 799; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 34, part (R.S. 4890 and 4891). The change in language in the second paragraph broadens the requirement for specimens. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in two places. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 115 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 115. Oath of applicant -STATUTE- The applicant shall make oath that he believes himself to be the original and first inventor of the process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or improvement thereof, for which he solicits a patent; and shall state of what country he is a citizen. Such oath may be made before any person within the United States authorized by law to administer oaths, or, when, made in a foreign country, before any diplomatic or consular officer of the United States authorized to administer oaths, or before any officer having an official seal and authorized to administer oaths in the foreign country in which the applicant may be, whose authority is proved by certificate of a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States, or apostille of an official designated by a foreign country which, by treaty or convention, accords like effect to apostilles of designated officials in the United States, and such oath shall be valid if it complies with the laws of the state or country where made. When the application is made as provided in this title by a person other than the inventor, the oath may be so varied in form that it can be made by him. For purposes of this section, a consular officer shall include any United States citizen serving overseas, authorized to perform notarial functions pursuant to section 1750 of the Revised Statutes, as amended (22 U.S.C. 4221). -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 799; Pub. L. 97-247, Sec. 14(a), Aug. 27, 1982, 96 Stat. 321; Pub. L. 105-277, div. G, title XXII, Sec. 2222(d), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681-818.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 35 (R.S. 4892, amended (1) Mar. 3, 1903, ch. 1019, Sec. 2, 32 Stat. 1225, 1226, (2) May 23, 1930, ch. 312, Sec. 3, 46 Stat. 376). The expression at the end of the second sentence is added to avoid application of the District of Columbia law to oaths taken outside the District. Changes in language are made. AMENDMENTS 1998 - Pub. L. 105-277 inserted at end "For purposes of this section, a consular officer shall include any United States citizen serving overseas, authorized to perform notarial functions pursuant to section 1750 of the Revised Statutes, as amended (22 U.S.C. 4221)." 1982 - Pub. L. 97-247 substituted "is" for "shall be" after "whose authority", and inserted ", or apostille of an official designated by a foreign country which, by treaty or convention, accords like effect to apostilles of designated officials in the United States". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-247 effective Aug. 27, 1982, see section 17(a) of Pub. L. 97-247, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 116 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 116. Inventors -STATUTE- When an invention is made by two or more persons jointly, they shall apply for patent jointly and each make the required oath, except as otherwise provided in this title. Inventors may apply for a patent jointly even though (1) they did not physically work together or at the same time, (2) each did not make the same type or amount of contribution, or (3) each did not make a contribution to the subject matter of every claim of the patent. If a joint inventor refuses to join in an application for patent or cannot be found or reached after diligent effort, the application may be made by the other inventor on behalf of himself and the omitted inventor. The Director, on proof of the pertinent facts and after such notice to the omitted inventor as he prescribes, may grant a patent to the inventor making the application, subject to the same rights which the omitted inventor would have had if he had been joined. The omitted inventor may subsequently join in the application. Whenever through error a person is named in an application for patent as the inventor, or through error an inventor is not named in an application, and such error arose without any deceptive intention on his part, the Director may permit the application to be amended accordingly, under such terms as he prescribes. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 799; Pub. L. 97-247, Sec. 6(a), Aug. 27, 1982, 96 Stat. 320; Pub. L. 98-622, title I, Sec. 104(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3384; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES The first paragraph is implied in the present statutes, and the part of the last paragraph relating to omission of an erroneously joined inventor is in the Patent Office rules. The remainder is new and provides for the correction of a mistake in erroneously joining a person as inventor, and for filing an application when one of several joint inventors cannot be found. This section is ancillary to section 256. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in two places. 1984 - Pub. L. 98-622 amended first par. generally, striking out "and each sign the application" after "patent jointly" and inserting sentence beginning "Inventors may apply". 1982 - Pub. L. 97-247 substituted "Inventors" for "Joint inventors" as section catchline, and substituted "through error a person is named in an application for patent as the inventor, or through error an inventor is not named in an application" for "a person is joined in an application for patent as joint inventor through error, or a joint inventor is not included in an application through error". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 98-622 applicable to all United States patents granted before, on, or after Nov. 8, 1984, and to all applications for United States patents pending on or filed after that date, except as otherwise provided, see section 106 of Pub. L. 98-622, set out as a note under section 103 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-247 effective six months after Aug. 27, 1982, see section 17(c) of Pub. L. 97-247, set out as an Effective Date note under section 294 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 117 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 117. Death or incapacity of inventor -STATUTE- Legal representatives of deceased inventors and of those under legal incapacity may make application for patent upon compliance with the requirements and on the same terms and conditions applicable to the inventor. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 799.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 46 (R.S. 4896, amended (1) Feb. 28, 1899, ch. 227, 30 Stat. 915, (2) Mar. 3, 1903, ch. 1019, Sec. 3, 32 Stat. 1225, 1226, (3) May 23, 1908, ch. 188, 35 Stat. 245). The language has been considerably simplified. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 118 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 118. Filing by other than inventor -STATUTE- Whenever an inventor refuses to execute an application for patent, or cannot be found or reached after diligent effort, a person to whom the inventor has assigned or agreed in writing to assign the invention or who otherwise shows sufficient proprietary interest in the matter justifying such action, may make application for patent on behalf of and as agent for the inventor on proof of the pertinent facts and a showing that such action is necessary to preserve the rights of the parties or to prevent irreparable damage; and the Director may grant a patent to such inventor upon such notice to him as the Director deems sufficient, and on compliance with such regulations as he prescribes. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 799; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES This section is new and provides for the filing of an application by another on behalf of the inventor in certain special hardship situations. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in two places. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 119 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 119. Benefit of earlier filing date; right of priority -STATUTE- (a) An application for patent for an invention filed in this country by any person who has, or whose legal representatives or assigns have, previously regularly filed an application for a patent for the same invention in a foreign country which affords similar privileges in the case of applications filed in the United States or to citizens of the United States, or in a WTO member country, shall have the same effect as the same application would have if filed in this country on the date on which the application for patent for the same invention was first filed in such foreign country, if the application in this country is filed within twelve months from the earliest date on which such foreign application was filed; but no patent shall be granted on any application for patent for an invention which had been patented or described in a printed publication in any country more than one year before the date of the actual filing of the application in this country, or which had been in public use or on sale in this country more than one year prior to such filing. (b)(1) No application for patent shall be entitled to this right of priority unless a claim is filed in the Patent and Trademark Office, identifying the foreign application by specifying the application number on that foreign application, the intellectual property authority or country in or for which the application was filed, and the date of filing the application, at such time during the pendency of the application as required by the Director. (2) The Director may consider the failure of the applicant to file a timely claim for priority as a waiver of any such claim. The Director may establish procedures, including the payment of a surcharge, to accept an unintentionally delayed claim under this section. (3) The Director may require a certified copy of the original foreign application, specification, and drawings upon which it is based, a translation if not in the English language, and such other information as the Director considers necessary. Any such certification shall be made by the foreign intellectual property authority in which the foreign application was filed and show the date of the application and of the filing of the specification and other papers. (c) In like manner and subject to the same conditions and requirements, the right provided in this section may be based upon a subsequent regularly filed application in the same foreign country instead of the first filed foreign application, provided that any foreign application filed prior to such subsequent application has been withdrawn, abandoned, or otherwise disposed of, without having been laid open to public inspection and without leaving any rights outstanding, and has not served, nor thereafter shall serve, as a basis for claiming a right of priority. (d) Applications for inventors' certificates filed in a foreign country in which applicants have a right to apply, at their discretion, either for a patent or for an inventor's certificate shall be treated in this country in the same manner and have the same effect for purpose of the right of priority under this section as applications for patents, subject to the same conditions and requirements of this section as apply to applications for patents, provided such applicants are entitled to the benefits of the Stockholm Revision of the Paris Convention at the time of such filing. (e)(1) An application for patent filed under section 111(a) or section 363 of this title for an invention disclosed in the manner provided by the first paragraph of section 112 of this title in a provisional application filed under section 111(b) of this title, by an inventor or inventors named in the provisional application, shall have the same effect, as to such invention, as though filed on the date of the provisional application filed under section 111(b) of this title, if the application for patent filed under section 111(a) or section 363 of this title is filed not later than 12 months after the date on which the provisional application was filed and if it contains or is amended to contain a specific reference to the provisional application. No application shall be entitled to the benefit of an earlier filed provisional application under this subsection unless an amendment containing the specific reference to the earlier filed provisional application is submitted at such time during the pendency of the application as required by the Director. The Director may consider the failure to submit such an amendment within that time period as a waiver of any benefit under this subsection. The Director may establish procedures, including the payment of a surcharge, to accept an unintentionally delayed submission of an amendment under this subsection during the pendency of the application. (2) A provisional application filed under section 111(b) of this title may not be relied upon in any proceeding in the Patent and Trademark Office unless the fee set forth in subparagraph (A) or (C) of section 41(a)(1) of this title has been paid. (3) If the day that is 12 months after the filing date of a provisional application falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday within the District of Columbia, the period of pendency of the provisional application shall be extended to the next succeeding secular or business day. (f) Applications for plant breeder's rights filed in a WTO member country (or in a foreign UPOV Contracting Party) shall have the same effect for the purpose of the right of priority under subsections (a) through (c) of this section as applications for patents, subject to the same conditions and requirements of this section as apply to applications for patents. (g) As used in this section - (1) the term "WTO member country" has the same meaning as the term is defined in section 104(b)(2) of this title; and (2) the term "UPOV Contracting Party" means a member of the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 800; Pub. L. 87-333, Sec. 1, Oct. 3, 1961, 75 Stat. 748; Pub. L. 92-358, Sec. 1, July 28, 1972, 86 Stat. 501; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 103-465, title V, Sec. 532(b)(1), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4985; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4503(a), (b)(2), 4801(b), (c), 4802], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-563, 1501A-564, 1501A-588, 1501A-589; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(2), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 32, second paragraph (R.S. 4887, second paragraph, amended (1) Mar. 3, 1903, ch. 1019, Sec. 1, 32 Stat. 1225, 1226, (2) June 19, 1936, ch. 594, 49 Stat. 1529, (3) Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 450, Sec. 1, 53 Stat. 1212). The first paragraph is the same as the present law with changes in language. The references to designs have been removed for inclusion in another section and the opening clause has been modified to accord with actual practice and the requirements of the International Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. The second paragraph is new, making an additional procedural requirement for obtaining the right of priority. Copies of the foreign papers on which the right of priority is based are required so that the record of the United States patent will be complete in this country. -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT The Stockholm Revision of the Paris Convention, referred to in subsec. (d), means the Convention revising the Convention of the Union of Paris of Mar. 20, 1883, as revised, for the protection of industrial property, done at Stockholm July 14, 1967, entered into force for the United States Sept. 5, 1970, with the exception of Articles 1 through 12 which entered into force for the United States Aug. 25, 1973. See 21 UST 1583; 24 UST 2140; TIAS 6293, 7727. -MISC2- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4802(1)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4802(1)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, inserted "or in a WTO member country," after "or to citizens of the United States,". Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4503(a)], amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "No application for patent shall be entitled to this right of priority unless a claim therefor and a certified copy of the original foreign application, specification and drawings upon which it is based are filed in the Patent and Trademark Office before the patent is granted, or at such time during the pendency of the application as required by the Commissioner not earlier than six months after the filing of the application in this country. Such certification shall be made by the patent office of the foreign country in which filed and show the date of the application and of the filing of the specification and other papers. The Commissioner may require a translation of the papers filed if not in the English language and such other information as he deems necessary." Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4503(b)(2)], inserted at end: "No application shall be entitled to the benefit of an earlier filed provisional application under this subsection unless an amendment containing the specific reference to the earlier filed provisional application is submitted at such time during the pendency of the application as required by the Director. The Director may consider the failure to submit such an amendment within that time period as a waiver of any benefit under this subsection. The Director may establish procedures, including the payment of a surcharge, to accept an unintentionally delayed submission of an amendment under this subsection during the pendency of the application." Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4801(c)], struck out before period at end "and the provisional application was pending on the filing date of the application for patent under section 111(a) or section 363 of this title". Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4801(b)], added par. (3). Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4802(2)], added subsecs. (f) and (g). 1994 - Pub. L. 103-465, in section catchline, struck out "in foreign country" after "date", designated four undesignated paragraphs as subsecs. (a) to (d), and added subsec. (e). 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". 1972 - Pub. L. 92-358 inserted last paragraph providing that under certain circumstances, applications for inventors' certificate filed in a foreign country would be given the same priority as applications for patents, if the applicants are entitled to the benefits of the Stockholm Revision of the Paris Convention at the time of filing. 1961 - Pub. L. 87-333 authorized the right provided by this section to be based upon a subsequent application in the same foreign country, instead of the first application, provided that any foreign application filed prior to such subsequent one was withdrawn, or otherwise disposed of, without having been open to public inspection and without leaving any rights outstanding, nor any basis for claiming priority. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4503(a), (b)(2)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 2000, and applicable only to applications (including international applications designating the United States) filed on or after that date, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4508] of Pub. L. 106-113, as amended, set out as a note under section 10 of this title. Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4801(d)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-589, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 111 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999] and shall apply to any provisional application filed on or after June 8, 1995, except that the amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) [amending this section] shall have no effect with respect to any patent which is the subject of litigation in an action commenced before such date of enactment." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 103-465 effective 6 months after Dec. 8, 1994, and applicable to all patent applications filed in the United States on or after that effective date, with provisions relating to earliest filed patent application, see section 534(b)(1), (3) of Pub. L. 103-465, set out as a note under section 154 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1972 AMENDMENT Section 3(a) of Pub. L. 92-358 provided that: "Section 1 of this Act [amending this section] shall take effect on the date when Articles 1-12 of the Paris Convention of March 20, 1883, for the Protection of Industrial Property, as revised at Stockholm, July 14, 1967, come into force with respect to the United States [Aug. 25, 1973] and shall apply only to applications thereafter filed in the United States." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1961 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 87-333 effective on the date when the Convention of Paris for the Protection of Industrial Property of March 20, 1883, as revised at Lisbon, Oct. 31, 1958, comes into force with respect to the United States [Jan. 4, 1962] and shall apply only to applications thereafter filed in the United States by persons entitled to the benefit of said convention, as revised at the time of such filing, see section 3 of Pub. L. 87-333, set out as a note under section 1126 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. JAPANESE AND CERTAIN GERMAN NATIONALS; TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF PRIORITY RIGHTS Act Aug. 23, 1954, ch. 823, 68 Stat. 764, provided that the priority rights specified in section 101 of former Title 35, Patents, which arose before Apr. 1, 1950, were extended, with respect to inventions made subsequent to Jan. 1, 1946, in favor of certain Japanese and German nationals, to a date nine months after Aug. 23, 1954, subject to conditions and limitations specified in sections 104, 110, 112, and 114 of former title 35. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 120 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 120. Benefit of earlier filing date in the United States -STATUTE- An application for patent for an invention disclosed in the manner provided by the first paragraph of section 112 of this title in an application previously filed in the United States, or as provided by section 363 of this title, which is filed by an inventor or inventors named in the previously filed application shall have the same effect, as to such invention, as though filed on the date of the prior application, if filed before the patenting or abandonment of or termination of proceedings on the first application or on an application similarly entitled to the benefit of the filing date of the first application and if it contains or is amended to contain a specific reference to the earlier filed application. No application shall be entitled to the benefit of an earlier filed application under this section unless an amendment containing the specific reference to the earlier filed application is submitted at such time during the pendency of the application as required by the Director. The Director may consider the failure to submit such an amendment within that time period as a waiver of any benefit under this section. The Director may establish procedures, including the payment of a surcharge, to accept an unintentionally delayed submission of an amendment under this section. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 800; Pub. L. 94-131, Sec. 9, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 691; Pub. L. 98-622, title I, Sec. 104(b), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3385; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4503(b)(1)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A- 563.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES This section represents present law not expressed in the statute, except for the added requirement that the first application must be specifically mentioned in the second. AMENDMENTS 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113 inserted at end "No application shall be entitled to the benefit of an earlier filed application under this section unless an amendment containing the specific reference to the earlier filed application is submitted at such time during the pendency of the application as required by the Director. The Director may consider the failure to submit such an amendment within that time period as a waiver of any benefit under this section. The Director may establish procedures, including the payment of a surcharge, to accept an unintentionally delayed submission of an amendment under this section." 1984 - Pub. L. 98-622 substituted "which is filed by an inventor or inventors named in the previously filed application" for "by the same inventor". 1975 - Pub. L. 94-131 inserted ", or as provided by section 363 of this title," after "filed in the United States". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 2000, and applicable only to applications (including international applications designating the United States) filed on or after that date, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4508] of Pub. L. 106- 113, as amended, set out as a note under section 10 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 98-622 applicable to all United States patents granted before, on, or after Nov. 8, 1984, and to all applications for United States patents pending on or filed after that date, except as otherwise provided, see section 106 of Pub. L. 98-622, set out as a note under section 103 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 94-131 effective Jan. 24, 1978, and applicable on and after that date to patent applications filed in the United States and to international applications, where applicable, see section 11 of Pub. L. 94-131, set out as an Effective Date note under section 351 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 121 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 121. Divisional applications -STATUTE- If two or more independent and distinct inventions are claimed in one application, the Director may require the application to be restricted to one of the inventions. If the other invention is made the subject of a divisional application which complies with the requirements of section 120 of this title it shall be entitled to the benefit of the filing date of the original application. A patent issuing on an application with respect to which a requirement for restriction under this section has been made, or on an application filed as a result of such a requirement, shall not be used as a reference either in the Patent and Trademark Office or in the courts against a divisional application or against the original application or any patent issued on either of them, if the divisional application is filed before the issuance of the patent on the other application. If a divisional application is directed solely to subject matter described and claimed in the original application as filed, the Director may dispense with signing and execution by the inventor. The validity of a patent shall not be questioned for failure of the Director to require the application to be restricted to one invention. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 800; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES This section enacts as law existing practice with respect to division, at the same time introducing a number of changes. Division is made discretionary with the Commissioner. The requirements of section 120 are made applicable and neither of the resulting patents can be held invalid over the other merely because of their being divided in several patents. In some cases a divisional application may be filed by the assignee. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing. 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 122 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 11 - APPLICATION FOR PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 122. Confidential status of applications; publication of patent applications -STATUTE- (a) Confidentiality. - Except as provided in subsection (b), applications for patents shall be kept in confidence by the Patent and Trademark Office and no information concerning the same given without authority of the applicant or owner unless necessary to carry out the provisions of an Act of Congress or in such special circumstances as may be determined by the Director. (b) Publication. - (1) In general. - (A) Subject to paragraph (2), each application for a patent shall be published, in accordance with procedures determined by the Director, promptly after the expiration of a period of 18 months from the earliest filing date for which a benefit is sought under this title. At the request of the applicant, an application may be published earlier than the end of such 18-month period. (B) No information concerning published patent applications shall be made available to the public except as the Director determines. (C) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a determination by the Director to release or not to release information concerning a published patent application shall be final and nonreviewable. (2) Exceptions. - (A) An application shall not be published if that application is - (i) no longer pending; (ii) subject to a secrecy order under section 181 of this title; (iii) a provisional application filed under section 111(b) of this title; or (iv) an application for a design patent filed under chapter 16 of this title. (B)(i) If an applicant makes a request upon filing, certifying that the invention disclosed in the application has not and will not be the subject of an application filed in another country, or under a multilateral international agreement, that requires publication of applications 18 months after filing, the application shall not be published as provided in paragraph (1). (ii) An applicant may rescind a request made under clause (i) at any time. (iii) An applicant who has made a request under clause (i) but who subsequently files, in a foreign country or under a multilateral international agreement specified in clause (i), an application directed to the invention disclosed in the application filed in the Patent and Trademark Office, shall notify the Director of such filing not later than 45 days after the date of the filing of such foreign or international application. A failure of the applicant to provide such notice within the prescribed period shall result in the application being regarded as abandoned, unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the Director that the delay in submitting the notice was unintentional. (iv) If an applicant rescinds a request made under clause (i) or notifies the Director that an application was filed in a foreign country or under a multilateral international agreement specified in clause (i), the application shall be published in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1) on or as soon as is practical after the date that is specified in clause (i). (v) If an applicant has filed applications in one or more foreign countries, directly or through a multilateral international agreement, and such foreign filed applications corresponding to an application filed in the Patent and Trademark Office or the description of the invention in such foreign filed applications is less extensive than the application or description of the invention in the application filed in the Patent and Trademark Office, the applicant may submit a redacted copy of the application filed in the Patent and Trademark Office eliminating any part or description of the invention in such application that is not also contained in any of the corresponding applications filed in a foreign country. The Director may only publish the redacted copy of the application unless the redacted copy of the application is not received within 16 months after the earliest effective filing date for which a benefit is sought under this title. The provisions of section 154(d) shall not apply to a claim if the description of the invention published in the redacted application filed under this clause with respect to the claim does not enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter of the claim. (c) Protest and Pre-Issuance Opposition. - The Director shall establish appropriate procedures to ensure that no protest or other form of pre-issuance opposition to the grant of a patent on an application may be initiated after publication of the application without the express written consent of the applicant. (d) National Security. - No application for patent shall be published under subsection (b)(1) if the publication or disclosure of such invention would be detrimental to the national security. The Director shall establish appropriate procedures to ensure that such applications are promptly identified and the secrecy of such inventions is maintained in accordance with chapter 17 of this title. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 801; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4502(a)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A- 561.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES This section enacts the Patent Office rule of secrecy of applications. AMENDMENTS 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113 amended section catchline and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Applications for patents shall be kept in confidence by the Patent and Trademark Office and no information concerning the same given without authority of the applicant or owner unless necessary to carry out the provisions of any Act of Congress or in such special circumstances as may be determined by the Commissioner." 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by of Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 2000, and applicable only to applications (including international applications designating the United States) filed on or after that date, and applications published pursuant to subsec. (b) of this section resulting from an international application filed before Nov. 29, 2000 not to be effective as prior art as of the filing date of the international application, but to be effective as prior art in accordance with section 102(e) of this title in effect on Nov. 28, 2000, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4508] of Pub. L. 106-113, as amended, set out as a note under section 10 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. STUDY OF APPLICANTS FILING ONLY IN UNITED STATES Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4502(b)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-562, provided that: "(1) In general. - The Comptroller General shall conduct a 3-year study of the applicants who file only in the United States on or after the effective date of this subtitle [see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4508] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as an Effective Date of 1999 Amendment note under section 10 of this title] and shall provide the results of such study to the Judiciary Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate. "(2) Contents. - The study conducted under paragraph (1) shall - "(A) consider the number of such applicants in relation to the number of applicants who file in the United States and outside of the United States; "(B) examine how many domestic-only filers request at the time of filing not to be published; "(C) examine how many such filers rescind that request or later choose to file abroad; "(D) examine the status of the entity seeking an application and any correlation that may exist between such status and the publication of patent applications; and "(E) examine the abandonment/issuance ratios and length of application pendency before patent issuance or abandonment for published versus unpublished applications." -End- -CITE- 35 USC CHAPTER 12 - EXAMINATION OF APPLICATION 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 12 - EXAMINATION OF APPLICATION -HEAD- CHAPTER 12 - EXAMINATION OF APPLICATION -MISC1- Sec. 131. Examination of application. 132. Notice of rejection; reexamination. 133. Time for prosecuting application. 134. Appeal to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences. 135. Interferences. AMENDMENTS 1984 - Pub. L. 98-622, title II, Sec. 204(b)(2), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3388, substituted "Patent Appeals and Interferences" for "Appeals" in item 134. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 131 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 12 - EXAMINATION OF APPLICATION -HEAD- Sec. 131. Examination of application -STATUTE- The Director shall cause an examination to be made of the application and the alleged new invention; and if on such examination it appears that the applicant is entitled to a patent under the law, the Director shall issue a patent therefor. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 801; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 36 (R.S. 4893). The first part is revised in language and amplified. The phrase "and that the invention is sufficiently useful and important" is omitted as unnecessary, the requirements for patentability being stated in sections 101, 102 and 103. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in two places. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 132 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 12 - EXAMINATION OF APPLICATION -HEAD- Sec. 132. Notice of rejection; reexamination -STATUTE- (a) Whenever, on examination, any claim for a patent is rejected, or any objection or requirement made, the Director shall notify the applicant thereof, stating the reasons for such rejection, or objection or requirement, together with such information and references as may be useful in judging of the propriety of continuing the prosecution of his application; and if after receiving such notice, the applicant persists in his claim for a patent, with or without amendment, the application shall be reexamined. No amendment shall introduce new matter into the disclosure of the invention. (b) The Director shall prescribe regulations to provide for the continued examination of applications for patent at the request of the applicant. The Director may establish appropriate fees for such continued examination and shall provide a 50 percent reduction in such fees for small entities that qualify for reduced fees under section 41(h)(1) of this title. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 801; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4403, 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-560, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 51 (R.S. 4903, amended Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 452, Sec. 1, 53 Stat. 1213). The first paragraph of the corresponding section of existing statute is revised in language and amplified to incorporate present practice; the second paragraph of the existing statute is placed in section 135. The last sentence relating to new matter is added but represents no departure from present practice. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4403], designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b). EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4405(b)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-560, provided that: "The amendments made by section 4403 [amending this section] - "(1) shall take effect on the date that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999], and shall apply to all applications filed under section 111(a) of title 35, United States Code, on or after June 8, 1995, and all applications complying with section 371 of title 35, United States Code, that resulted from international applications filed on or after June 8, 1995; and "(2) do not apply to applications for design patents under chapter 16 of title 35, United States Code." Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 133 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 12 - EXAMINATION OF APPLICATION -HEAD- Sec. 133. Time for prosecuting application -STATUTE- Upon failure of the applicant to prosecute the application within six months after any action therein, of which notice has been given or mailed to the applicant, or within such shorter time, not less than thirty days, as fixed by the Director in such action, the application shall be regarded as abandoned by the parties thereto, unless it be shown to the satisfaction of the Director that such delay was unavoidable. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 801; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 37 (R.S. 4894, amended (1) Mar. 3, 1897, ch. 391, Sec. 4, 29 Stat. 692, 693, (2) July 6, 1916, ch. 225, Sec. 1, 39 Stat. 345, 347-8, (3) Mar. 2, 1927, ch. 273, Sec. 1, 44 Stat. 1335, (4) Aug. 7, 1939, ch. 568, 53 Stat. 1264). The opening clause of the corresponding section of existing statute is omitted as having no present day meaning or value and the last two sentences are omitted for inclusion in section 267. The notice is stated as given or mailed. Language is revised. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in two places. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 134 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 12 - EXAMINATION OF APPLICATION -HEAD- Sec. 134. Appeal to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences -STATUTE- (a) Patent Applicant. - An applicant for a patent, any of whose claims has been twice rejected, may appeal from the decision of the primary examiner to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, having once paid the fee for such appeal. (b) Patent Owner. - A patent owner in any reexamination proceeding may appeal from the final rejection of any claim by the primary examiner to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, having once paid the fee for such appeal. (c) Third-Party. - A third-party requester in an inter partes proceeding may appeal to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences from the final decision of the primary examiner favorable to the patentability of any original or proposed amended or new claim of a patent, having once paid the fee for such appeal. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 801; Pub. L. 98-622, title II, Sec. 204(b)(1), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3388; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4605(b)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-570; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Secs. 13106(b), 13202(b)(1), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1901.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 57 (R.S. 4909 amended (1) Mar. 2, 1927, ch. 273, Sec. 5, 44 Stat. 1335, 1336, (2) Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 451, Sec. 2, 53 Stat. 1212). Reference to reissues is omitted in view of the general provision in section 251. Minor changes in language are made. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13202(b)(1), substituted "primary examiner" for "administrative patent judge". Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13202(b)(1), substituted "primary examiner" for "administrative patent judge". Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13106(b), struck out at end "The third- party requester may not appeal the decision of the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences." 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113 reenacted section catchline without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "An applicant for a patent, any of whose claims has been twice rejected, may appeal from the decision of the primary examiner to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, having once paid the fee for such appeal." 1984 - Pub. L. 98-622 substituted "Patent Appeals and Interferences" for "Appeals" in section catchline and text. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2002 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13106(d), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1901, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 141 and 315 of this title] apply with respect to any reexamination proceeding commenced on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 2, 2002]." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13202(d), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1902, provided that: "The amendments made by section 4605(b), (c), and (e) of the Intellectual Property and Communications Omnibus Reform Act, as enacted by section 1000(a)(9) of Public Law 106-113 [amending this section and sections 141 and 145 of this title], shall apply to any reexamination filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on or after the date of enactment of Public Law 106-113 [Nov. 29, 1999]." Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 1999, and applicable to any patent issuing from an original application filed in the United States on or after that date, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4608(a)] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 98-622 effective three months after Nov. 8, 1984, see section 207 of Pub. L. 98-622, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 135 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 12 - EXAMINATION OF APPLICATION -HEAD- Sec. 135. Interferences -STATUTE- (a) Whenever an application is made for a patent which, in the opinion of the Director, would interfere with any pending application, or with any unexpired patent, an interference may be declared and the Director shall give notice of such declaration to the applicants, or applicant and patentee, as the case may be. The Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences shall determine questions of priority of the inventions and may determine questions of patentability. Any final decision, if adverse to the claim of an applicant, shall constitute the final refusal by the Patent and Trademark Office of the claims involved, and the Director may issue a patent to the applicant who is adjudged the prior inventor. A final judgment adverse to a patentee from which no appeal or other review has been or can be taken or had shall constitute cancellation of the claims involved in the patent, and notice of such cancellation shall be endorsed on copies of the patent distributed after such cancellation by the Patent and Trademark Office. (b)(1) A claim which is the same as, or for the same or substantially the same subject matter as, a claim of an issued patent may not be made in any application unless such a claim is made prior to one year from the date on which the patent was granted. (2) A claim which is the same as, or for the same or substantially the same subject matter as, a claim of an application published under section 122(b) of this title may be made in an application filed after the application is published only if the claim is made before 1 year after the date on which the application is published. (c) Any agreement or understanding between parties to an interference, including any collateral agreements referred to therein, made in connection with or in contemplation of the termination of the interference, shall be in writing and a true copy thereof filed in the Patent and Trademark Office before the termination of the interference as between the said parties to the agreement or understanding. If any party filing the same so requests, the copy shall be kept separate from the file of the interference, and made available only to Government agencies on written request, or to any person on a showing of good cause. Failure to file the copy of such agreement or understanding shall render permanently unenforceable such agreement or understanding and any patent of such parties involved in the interference or any patent subsequently issued on any application of such parties so involved. The Director may, however, on a showing of good cause for failure to file within the time prescribed, permit the filing of the agreement or understanding during the six-month period subsequent to the termination of the interference as between the parties to the agreement or understanding. The Director shall give notice to the parties or their attorneys of record, a reasonable time prior to said termination, of the filing requirement of this section. If the Director gives such notice at a later time, irrespective of the right to file such agreement or understanding within the six-month period on a showing of good cause, the parties may file such agreement or understanding within sixty days of the receipt of such notice. Any discretionary action of the Director under this subsection shall be reviewable under section 10 of the Administrative Procedure Act. (d) Parties to a patent interference, within such time as may be specified by the Director by regulation, may determine such contest or any aspect thereof by arbitration. Such arbitration shall be governed by the provisions of title 9 to the extent such title is not inconsistent with this section. The parties shall give notice of any arbitration award to the Director, and such award shall, as between the parties to the arbitration, be dispositive of the issues to which it relates. The arbitration award shall be unenforceable until such notice is given. Nothing in this subsection shall preclude the Director from determining patentability of the invention involved in the interference. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 801; Pub. L. 87-831, Oct. 15, 1962, 76 Stat. 958; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 98-622, title I, Sec. 105, title II, Sec. 202, Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3385, 3386; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4507(11), 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-566, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES The first paragraph is based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 52 (R.S. 4904 amended (1) Mar. 2, 1927, ch. 273, Sec. 4, 44 Stat. 1335, 1336, (2) Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 451, Sec. 1, 53 Stat. 1212). The first paragraph states the existing corresponding statute with a few changes in language. An explicit statement that the Office decision on priority constitutes a final refusal by the Office of the claims involved, is added. The last sentence is new and provides that judgment adverse to a patentee constitutes cancellation of the claims of the patent involved after the judgment has become final, the patentee has a right of appeal (sec. 141) and is given a right of review by civil action (sec. 146). The second paragraph is based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 51, (R.S. 4903, amended Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 452, Sec. 1, 53 Stat. 1213). Changes in language are made. -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT Section 10 of the Administrative Procedure Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is section 10 of act June 11, 1946, ch. 324, 60 Stat. 243, which was repealed by Pub. L. 89-554, Sec. 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 632, and reenacted by the first section thereof as chapter 7 (Sec. 701 et seq.) of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. -MISC2- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsecs. (a), (c), (d). Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment notes below. 1999 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(11)], designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2). Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing. 1984 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98-622, Sec. 202, amended subsec. (a) generally, substituting ", an interference may be declared and the Commissioner shall give notice of such declaration to the applicants, or applicant and patentee, as the case may be" for "he shall give notice thereof to the applicants, or applicant and patentee, as the case may be" and substituting provisions vesting jurisdiction for determining questions of interference in the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences for provisions vesting such jurisdiction in a board of patent interferences. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98-622, Sec. 105, added subsec. (d). 1975 - Subsecs. (a), (c). Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office" wherever appearing. 1962 - Pub. L. 87-831 designated first and second pars. as subsecs. (a) and (b) and added subsec. (c). EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(11)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 2000, and applicable only to applications (including international applications designating the United States) filed on or after that date, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4508] of Pub. L. 106-113, as amended, set out as a note under section 10 of this title. Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 105 of Pub. L. 98-622 applicable to all United States patents granted before, on, or after Nov. 8, 1984, and to all applications for United States patents pending on or filed after that date, except as otherwise provided, see section 106 of Pub. L. 98-622, set out as a note under section 103 of this title. Amendment by section 202 of Pub. L. 98-622 effective three months after Nov. 8, 1984, see section 207 of Pub. L. 98-622, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC CHAPTER 13 - REVIEW OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE DECISIONS 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 13 - REVIEW OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE DECISIONS -HEAD- CHAPTER 13 - REVIEW OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE DECISIONS -MISC1- Sec. 141. Appeal to Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. 142. Notice of appeal. 143. Proceedings on appeal. 144. Decision on appeal. 145. Civil action to obtain patent. 146. Civil action in case of interference. AMENDMENTS 1982 - Pub. L. 97-164, title I, Sec. 163(b)(1), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 49, substituted "Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit" for "Court of Customs and Patent Appeals" in item 141. 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949, substituted "PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE" for "PATENT OFFICE" in chapter heading. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 141 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 13 - REVIEW OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE DECISIONS -HEAD- Sec. 141. Appeal to Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit -STATUTE- An applicant dissatisfied with the decision in an appeal to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences under section 134 of this title may appeal the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. By filing such an appeal the applicant waives his or her right to proceed under section 145 of this title. A patent owner, or a third-party requester in an inter partes reexamination proceeding, who is in any reexamination proceeding dissatisfied with the final decision in an appeal to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences under section 134 may appeal the decision only to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. A party to an interference dissatisfied with the decision of the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences on the interference may appeal the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, but such appeal shall be dismissed if any adverse party to such interference, within twenty days after the appellant has filed notice of appeal in accordance with section 142 of this title, files notice with the Director that the party elects to have all further proceedings conducted as provided in section 146 of this title. If the appellant does not, within thirty days after the filing of such notice by the adverse party, file a civil action under section 146, the decision appealed from shall govern the further proceedings in the case. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 802; Pub. L. 97-164, title I, Sec. 163(a)(7), (b)(2), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 49, 50; Pub. L. 98- 622, title II, Sec. 203(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3387; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4605(c), 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-571, 1501A- 582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Secs. 13106(c), 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1901, 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 59a (R.S. 4911, amended (1) Mar. 2, 1927, ch. 273, Sec. 8, 44 Stat. 1336, (2) Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 488, Sec. 2a, 45 Stat. 1476, (3) Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 451, Sec. 3, 53 Stat. 1212). Changes in language are made. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13106(c), inserted ", or a third-party requester in an inter partes reexamination proceeding, who is" after "patent owner" in third sentence. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4605(c)], inserted after second sentence "A patent owner in any reexamination proceeding dissatisfied with the final decision in an appeal to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences under section 134 may appeal the decision only to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit." 1984 - Pub. L. 98-622, Sec. 203(a)(1)(A), substituted "in an appeal to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences under section 134 of this title may appeal the decision" for "of the Board of Patent Appeals may appeal" in first sentence. Pub. L. 98-622, Sec. 203(a)(1)(B), substituted ". By filing such an appeal the applicant waives his or her right" for ", thereby waiving his right" in first sentence. Pub. L. 98-622, Sec. 203(a)(2)(A), substituted "Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences on the interference may appeal the decision" for "board of patent interferences on the question of priority of appeal" in second sentence. Pub. L. 98-622, Sec. 203(a)(2)(B), substituted "In accordance with" for "according to" in second sentence. Pub. L. 98-622, Sec. 203(a)(2)(C), substituted "the party" for "he" in second sentence. Pub. L. 98-622, Sec. 203(a)(3), reenacted last sentence with minor changes in wording. 1982 - Pub. L. 97-164, Sec. 163(b)(2), substituted "Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit" for "Court of Customs and Patent Appeals" in section catchline. Pub. L. 97-164, Sec. 163(a)(7), substituted "Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit" for "Court of Customs and Patent Appeals" in two places. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2002 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 13106(c) of Pub. L. 107-273 applicable with respect to any reexamination proceeding commenced on or after Nov. 2, 2002, see section 13106(d) of Pub. L. 107-273, set out as a note under section 134 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4605(c)] of Pub. L. 106-113 applicable to any reexamination filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on or after Nov. 2, 2002, see section 13202(d) of Pub. L. 107-273, set out as a note under section 134 of this title. Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4605(c)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 1999, and applicable to any patent issuing from an original application filed in the United States on or after that date, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4608(a)] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 98-622 effective three months after Nov. 8, 1984, see section 207 of Pub. L. 98-622, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-164 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97-164, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 142 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 13 - REVIEW OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE DECISIONS -HEAD- Sec. 142. Notice of appeal -STATUTE- When an appeal is taken to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the appellant shall file in the Patent and Trademark Office a written notice of appeal directed to the Director, within such time after the date of the decision from which the appeal is taken as the Director prescribes, but in no case less than 60 days after that date. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 802; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 97-164, title I, Sec. 163(a)(7), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 49; Pub. L. 98-620, title IV, Sec. 414(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3362; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 60 (R.S. 4912, amended (1) Mar. 2, 1927, ch. 273, Sec. 9, 44 Stat. 1336, (2) Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 488, Sec. 2(b), 45 Stat. 1476). Changes in language are made. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in two places. 1984 - Pub. L. 98-620 amended section generally, substituting "the appellant shall file in the Patent and Trademark Office a written notice of appeal directed to the Commissioner, within such time after the date of the decision from which the appeal is taken as the Commissioner prescribes, but in no case less than 60 days after that date" for "the appellant shall give notice thereof to the Commissioner, and shall file in the Patent and Trademark Office his reasons of appeal, specifically set forth in writing, within such time after the date of the decision appealed from, not less than sixty days, as the Commissioner appoints". 1982 - Pub. L. 97-164 substituted "Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit" for "Court of Customs and Patent Appeals". 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Section 414(c) of Pub. L. 98-620 provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section, sections 143 and 144 of this title, and section 1071 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade] shall apply to proceedings pending in the Patent and Trademark Office on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1984] and to appeals pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on such date." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-164 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97-164, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 143 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 13 - REVIEW OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE DECISIONS -HEAD- Sec. 143. Proceedings on appeal -STATUTE- With respect to an appeal described in section 142 of this title, the Director shall transmit to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit a certified list of the documents comprising the record in the Patent and Trademark Office. The court may request that the Director forward the original or certified copies of such documents during pendency of the appeal. In an ex parte case or any reexamination case, the Director shall submit to the court in writing the grounds for the decision of the Patent and Trademark Office, addressing all the issues involved in the appeal. The court shall, before hearing an appeal, give notice of the time and place of the hearing to the Director and the parties in the appeal. The court shall, before hearing an appeal, give notice of the time and place of the hearing to the Director and the parties in the appeal.(!1) -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 802; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 97-164, title I, Sec. 163(a)(7), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 49; Pub. L. 98-620, title IV, Sec. 414(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3363; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4605(d), 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-571, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Secs. 13202(b)(2), 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1901, 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 61 (R.S. 4913, amended Mar. 2, 1927, ch. 273, Sec. 10, 44 Stat. 1336). Language is changed. The requirement that the Commissioner notify the parties is omitted and a requirement that the court notify the parties is added. The statement relating to filing the papers and testimony is made more explicit. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13202(b)(2), amended third sentence generally and added fourth sentence identical to existing fourth (now fifth) sentence. Prior to amendment, third sentence read as follows: "In any reexamination case, the Director shall submit to the court in writing the grounds for the decision of the Patent and Trademark Office, addressing all the issues involved in the appeal." 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" the first, second, and fourth places appearing. Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4605(d)], amended third sentence generally. Prior to amendment, third sentence read as follows: "In an ex parte case, the Commissioner shall submit to the court in writing the grounds for the decision of the Patent and Trademark Office, addressing all the issues involved in the appeal." 1984 - Pub. L. 98-620 substituted provisions requiring the Commissioner to transmit to the court a certified list of the documents comprising the record in the Patent and Trademark Office, with respect to an appeal described in section 142 of this title, for provision which required the Commissioner to transmit to the court certified copies of all the necessary original papers and evidence in the case specified by the appellant and the appellee, and inserted provision that the court may request that the Commissioner forward the original or certified copies of such documents during the pendency of the appeal. 1982 - Pub. L. 97-164 substituted "Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit" for "Court of Customs and Patent Appeals". 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4605(d)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 1999, and applicable to any patent issuing from an original application filed in the United States on or after that date, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4608(a)] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 98-620 applicable to proceedings pending in the Patent and Trademark Office on Nov. 8, 1984, and to appeals pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on such date, see section 414(c) of Pub. L. 98-620, set out as a note under section 142 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-164 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97-164, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -FOOTNOTE- (!1) So in original. Fourth and fifth sentences are identical. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 144 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 13 - REVIEW OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE DECISIONS -HEAD- Sec. 144. Decision on appeal -STATUTE- The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit shall review the decision from which an appeal is taken on the record before the Patent and Trademark Office. Upon its determination the court shall issue to the Director its mandate and opinion, which shall be entered of record in the Patent and Trademark Office and shall govern the further proceedings in the case. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 802; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 97-164, title I, Sec. 163(a)(7), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 49; Pub. L. 98-620, title IV, Sec. 414(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3363; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 62 (R.S. 4914). Language is changed and the last sentence of the corresponding section of existing statute omitted as superfluous; such a sentence does not appear in the present civil action section, 35 U.S.C. 63 and in either case the validity of the patent may be questioned. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner". 1984 - Pub. L. 98-620 substituted provisions requiring the court to review the decision on the record before the Patent and Trademark Office and upon reaching a determination to issue its mandate and opinion to the Commissioner for provisions which required the court, on petition, to hear and determine the appeal on the evidence produced before the Patent and Trademark Office (with the decision to be confined to the points set forth in the reasons of appeal) and, upon its determination, to return to the Commissioner a certificate of its proceedings and decision. 1982 - Pub. L. 97-164 substituted "Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit" for "Court of Customs and Patent Appeals". 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office" in two places. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 98-620 applicable to proceedings pending in the Patent and Trademark Office on Nov. 8, 1984, and to appeals pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on such date, see section 414(c) of Pub. L. 98-620, set out as a note under section 142 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-164 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97-164, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 145 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 13 - REVIEW OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE DECISIONS -HEAD- Sec. 145. Civil action to obtain patent -STATUTE- An applicant dissatisfied with the decision of the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences in an appeal under section 134(a) of this title may, unless appeal has been taken to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, have remedy by civil action against the Director in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia if commenced within such time after such decision, not less than sixty days, as the Director appoints. The court may adjudge that such applicant is entitled to receive a patent for his invention, as specified in any of his claims involved in the decision of the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, as the facts in the case may appear and such adjudication shall authorize the Director to issue such patent on compliance with the requirements of law. All the expenses of the proceedings shall be paid by the applicant. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 803; Pub. L. 97-164, title I, Sec. 163(a)(7), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 49; Pub. L. 98-622, title II, Sec. 203(b), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3387; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4605(e), 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-571, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 63 (R.S. 4915, amended (1) Mar. 2, 1927, ch. 273, Sec. 11, 44 Stat. 1336, (2) Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 488, Sec. 2(b), 45 Stat. 1476, (3) Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 451, Sec. 4, 53 Stat. 1212). Bill in equity is changed to civil action and the section is restricted to exclude interferences which are covered by the next section. The time for filing the action is changed to the same as the time for appeal. The requirement for the applicant to file a copy of the decision in the Patent Office is omitted. Language is changed. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing. Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4605(e)], inserted "(a)" after "section 134". 1984 - Pub. L. 98-622 substituted "Patent Appeals and Interferences in an appeal under section 134 of this title may," for "Appeals may" in first sentence and "Patent Appeals and Interferences" for "Appeals" in second sentence. 1982 - Pub. L. 97-164 substituted "Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit" for "Court of Customs and Patent Appeals". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4605(e)] of Pub. L. 106-113 applicable to any reexamination filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on or after Nov. 2, 2002, see section 13202(d) of Pub. L. 107-273, set out as a note under section 134 of this title. Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4605(e)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 1999, and applicable to any patent issuing from an original application filed in the United States on or after that date, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4608(a)] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 98-622 effective three months after Nov. 8, 1984, see section 207 of Pub. L. 98-622, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-164 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97-164, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 146 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 13 - REVIEW OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE DECISIONS -HEAD- Sec. 146. Civil action in case of interference -STATUTE- Any party to an interference dissatisfied with the decision of the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences on the interference, may have remedy by civil action, if commenced within such time after such decision, not less than sixty days, as the Director appoints or as provided in section 141 of this title, unless he has appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and such appeal is pending or has been decided. In such suits the record in the Patent and Trademark Office shall be admitted on motion of either party upon the terms and conditions as to costs, expenses, and the further cross-examination of the witnesses as the court imposes, without prejudice to the right of the parties to take further testimony. The testimony and exhibits of the record in the Patent and Trademark Office when admitted shall have the same effect as if originally taken and produced in the suit. Such suit may be instituted against the party in interest as shown by the records of the Patent and Trademark Office at the time of the decision complained of, but any party in interest may become a party to the action. If there be adverse parties residing in a plurality of districts not embraced within the same state, or an adverse party residing in a foreign country, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia shall have jurisdiction and may issue summons against the adverse parties directed to the marshal of any district in which any adverse party resides. Summons against adverse parties residing in foreign countries may be served by publication or otherwise as the court directs. The Director shall not be a necessary party but he shall be notified of the filing of the suit by the clerk of the court in which it is filed and shall have the right to intervene. Judgment of the court in favor of the right of an applicant to a patent shall authorize the Director to issue such patent on the filing in the Patent and Trademark Office of a certified copy of the judgment and on compliance with the requirements of law. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 803; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 97-164, title I, Sec. 163(a)(7), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 49; Pub. L. 98-622, title II, Sec. 203(c), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3387; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES The first paragraph and parts of the second paragraph are based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 63 (R.S. 4915, amended (1) Mar. 2, 1927, ch. 273, Sec. 11, 44 Stat. 1336, (2) Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 488, Sec. 2(b), 45 Stat. 1476, (3) Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 451, Sec. 4, 53 Stat. 1212), limited to interferences and making some changes. The action is not restricted to applicants, but a patentee may also bring the action. The time for bringing the action is made the same as for appeals. In the second paragraph the first sentence is new and eliminates difficulties arising from unrecorded interests. The second sentence is based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 72a (Mar. 3, 1927, ch. 364, 44 Stat. 1394, reenacted Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 655, Sec. 53a, 65 Stat. 728) with changes in language. The fourth sentence is new and prevents such suits from being filed against the Commissioner as a defendant; however, the Commissioner has the right to intervene. Language is changed. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing. 1984 - Pub. L. 98-622 substituted "Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences on the interference" for "board of patent interference on the question of priority". 1982 - Pub. L. 97-164 substituted "Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit" for "Court of Customs and Patent Appeals". 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office" wherever appearing. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 98-622 effective three months after Nov. 8, 1984, see section 207 of Pub. L. 98-622, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-164 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97-164, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC CHAPTER 14 - ISSUE OF PATENT 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 14 - ISSUE OF PATENT -HEAD- CHAPTER 14 - ISSUE OF PATENT -MISC1- Sec. 151. Issue of patent. 152. Issue of patent to assignee. 153. How issued. 154. Contents and term of patent; provisional rights. 155. Patent term extension. 155A. Patent term restoration. 156. Extension of patent term. 157. Statutory invention registration. AMENDMENTS 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(6)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-566, inserted "; provisional rights" after "patent" in item 154. 1984 - Pub. L. 98-622, title I, Sec. 102(b), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3384, added item 157. Pub. L. 98-417, title II, Sec. 201(b), Sept. 24, 1984, 98 Stat. 1602, added item 156. 1983 - Pub. L. 98-127, Sec. 4(b), Oct. 13, 1983, 97 Stat. 833, added item 155A. Pub. L. 97-414, Sec. 11(b), Jan. 4, 1983, 96 Stat. 2066, added item 155. 1965 - Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 6, July 24, 1965, 79 Stat. 261, substituted "Issue of patent" for "Time of issue of patent" in item 151. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 151 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 14 - ISSUE OF PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 151. Issue of patent -STATUTE- If it appears that applicant is entitled to a patent under the law, a written notice of allowance of the application shall be given or mailed to the applicant. The notice shall specify a sum, constituting the issue fee or a portion thereof, which shall be paid within three months thereafter. Upon payment of this sum the patent shall issue, but if payment is not timely made, the application shall be regarded as abandoned. Any remaining balance of the issue fee shall be paid within three months from the sending of a notice thereof and, if not paid, the patent shall lapse at the termination of this three-month period. In calculating the amount of a remaining balance, charges for a page or less may be disregarded. If any payment required by this section is not timely made, but is submitted with the fee for delayed payment and the delay in payment is shown to have been unavoidable, it may be accepted by the Director as though no abandonment or lapse had ever occurred. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 803; Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 4, July 24, 1965, 79 Stat. 260; Pub. L. 93-601, Sec. 3, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1956; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 41 (R.S. 4885, amended (1) May 23, 1908, ch. 189, 35 Stat. 246, (2) Aug. 9, 1939, Sec. 2, ch. 619, 53 Stat. 1293). Language is changed. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in last par. 1975 - Pub. L. 93-601 substituted "and the delay in payment is shown to have been unavoidable," for "within three months after the due date and sufficient cause is shown for the late payment," in last par. 1965 - Pub. L. 89-83 substituted provisions requiring a notice of allowance to be sent to the applicant, the notice of allowance to specify a sum, constituting the issue fee or a portion thereof, which shall be paid within 3 months thereafter, the patent to issue upon payment of this sum, the application to be deemed abandoned if the sum is not paid, and any remaining balance of the fee to be paid within 3 months after issuance of the patent shall lapse, and permitting the Commissioner within 3 months after the due date of an unpaid fee on a showing of sufficient cause to accept late payment as though no abandonment or lapse had occurred, for provisions which required a notice of allowance to be sent to the applicant, the final fee to be paid within 6 months after the notice, the patent to be issued within 3 months from the date of the payment, and which permitted delayed payment of the issue fee up to 1 year. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-601 effective Jan. 2, 1975, with examiners-in-chief in office on such date to continue with existing appointment, see section 4(b) of Pub. L. 93-601, set out as a note under section 3 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1965 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 89-83 effective three months after July 24, 1965, see section 7(a) of Pub. L. 89-83, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. ACCEPTANCE OF LATE PAYMENT OF ISSUE FEES BY COMMISSIONER Section 4(a) of Pub. L. 93-601 provided that: "The Commissioner of Patents [now Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office] may, in accordance with Section 3 of this Act [amending this section], accept late payment of issue fees, the payment of which was governed by the provisions of Public Law 89-93 [probably should refer to Public Law 89-83, which amended sections 41, 112, and 151 of this title and section 1113 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade]; Provided: the term of the patent for which late payment of such an issue fee is accepted shall expire earlier than the time specified in Section 154 of Title 35, United States Code by a period equal to the delay between the time the application became abandoned or the patent lapsed for failure to pay the issue fee and the time the late payment is accepted after enactment of this Act [Jan. 2, 1975]; Further Provided: no patent with respect to which the issue fee was governed by the provisions of PL 89-83 and for which a late payment of the issue fee is accepted under the authority created by Section 3 of this Act, shall abridge or affect the right of any person or his successors in business who made, purchased or used anything covered by the patent, after the date of the application became abandoned or patent lapsed for failure to pay the issue fee but prior to the grant or restoration of the patent, to continue the use of or to sell to others to be used or sold, the specific thing so made, purchased, or used. A court before which such matter is in question may provide for the continued manufacture, use or sale of the thing made, purchased or used as specified, or for the manufacture, use or sale of which substantial preparation was made after the date the application became abandoned or patent lapsed for failure to pay the fee but prior to the grant or restoration of the patent, and it may also provide for the continued practice of any process covered by the patent, practiced, or for the practice of which substantial preparation was made, after the date the application became abandoned or patent lapsed for failure to pay the issue fee but prior to the grant or restoration of the patent, to the extent and under such terms as the court deems equitable for the protection of investments made or business commenced before the grant or restoration of the patent." -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 152 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 14 - ISSUE OF PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 152. Issue of patent to assignee -STATUTE- Patents may be granted to the assignee of the inventor of record in the Patent and Trademark Office, upon the application made and the specification sworn to by the inventor, except as otherwise provided in this title. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 804; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 44 (R.S. 4895). Language is changed and the reference to reissue is omitted in view of the general provision in section 251. AMENDMENTS 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 153 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 14 - ISSUE OF PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 153. How issued -STATUTE- Patents shall be issued in the name of the United States of America, under the seal of the Patent and Trademark Office, and shall be signed by the Director or have his signature placed thereon and shall be recorded in the Patent and Trademark Office. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 804; Pub. L. 93-596, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Secs. 13203(c), 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1902, 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 39 (R.S. 4883, amended (1) Feb. 18, 1888, ch. 15, 25 Stat. 40, (2) April 11, 1903, ch. 417, 32 Stat. 95, (3) Feb. 18, 1922, ch. 58, Sec. 5, 42 Stat. 391). The phrases referring to the attesting officers and to the recording of the patents are broadened. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13203(c), struck out "and attested by an officer of the Patent and Trademark Office designated by the Director," after "signature placed thereon". 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in two places. 1975 - Pub. L. 93-596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office" wherever appearing. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 154 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 14 - ISSUE OF PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 154. Contents and term of patent; provisional rights -STATUTE- (a) In General. - (1) Contents. - Every patent shall contain a short title of the invention and a grant to the patentee, his heirs or assigns, of the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention throughout the United States or importing the invention into the United States, and, if the invention is a process, of the right to exclude others from using, offering for sale or selling throughout the United States, or importing into the United States, products made by that process, referring to the specification for the particulars thereof. (2) Term. - Subject to the payment of fees under this title, such grant shall be for a term beginning on the date on which the patent issues and ending 20 years from the date on which the application for the patent was filed in the United States or, if the application contains a specific reference to an earlier filed application or applications under section 120, 121, or 365(c) of this title, from the date on which the earliest such application was filed. (3) Priority. - Priority under section 119, 365(a), or 365(b) of this title shall not be taken into account in determining the term of a patent. (4) Specification and drawing. - A copy of the specification and drawing shall be annexed to the patent and be a part of such patent. (b) Adjustment of Patent Term. - (1) Patent term guarantees. - (A) Guarantee of prompt patent and trademark office responses. - Subject to the limitations under paragraph (2), if the issue of an original patent is delayed due to the failure of the Patent and Trademark Office to - (i) provide at least one of the notifications under section 132 of this title or a notice of allowance under section 151 of this title not later than 14 months after - (I) the date on which an application was filed under section 111(a) of this title; or (II) the date on which an international application fulfilled the requirements of section 371 of this title; (ii) respond to a reply under section 132, or to an appeal taken under section 134, within 4 months after the date on which the reply was filed or the appeal was taken; (iii) act on an application within 4 months after the date of a decision by the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences under section 134 or 135 or a decision by a Federal court under section 141, 145, or 146 in a case in which allowable claims remain in the application; or (iv) issue a patent within 4 months after the date on which the issue fee was paid under section 151 and all outstanding requirements were satisfied, the term of the patent shall be extended 1 day for each day after the end of the period specified in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv), as the case may be, until the action described in such clause is taken. (B) Guarantee of no more than 3-year application pendency. - Subject to the limitations under paragraph (2), if the issue of an original patent is delayed due to the failure of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to issue a patent within 3 years after the actual filing date of the application in the United States, not including - (i) any time consumed by continued examination of the application requested by the applicant under section 132(b); (ii) any time consumed by a proceeding under section 135(a), any time consumed by the imposition of an order under section 181, or any time consumed by appellate review by the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences or by a Federal court; or (iii) any delay in the processing of the application by the United States Patent and Trademark Office requested by the applicant except as permitted by paragraph (3)(C), the term of the patent shall be extended 1 day for each day after the end of that 3-year period until the patent is issued. (C) Guarantee or adjustments for delays due to interferences, secrecy orders, and appeals. - Subject to the limitations under paragraph (2), if the issue of an original patent is delayed due to - (i) a proceeding under section 135(a); (ii) the imposition of an order under section 181; or (iii) appellate review by the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences or by a Federal court in a case in which the patent was issued under a decision in the review reversing an adverse determination of patentability, the term of the patent shall be extended 1 day for each day of the pendency of the proceeding, order, or review, as the case may be. (2) Limitations. - (A) In general. - To the extent that periods of delay attributable to grounds specified in paragraph (1) overlap, the period of any adjustment granted under this subsection shall not exceed the actual number of days the issuance of the patent was delayed. (B) Disclaimed term. - No patent the term of which has been disclaimed beyond a specified date may be adjusted under this section beyond the expiration date specified in the disclaimer. (C) Reduction of period of adjustment. - (i) The period of adjustment of the term of a patent under paragraph (1) shall be reduced by a period equal to the period of time during which the applicant failed to engage in reasonable efforts to conclude prosecution of the application. (ii) With respect to adjustments to patent term made under the authority of paragraph (1)(B), an applicant shall be deemed to have failed to engage in reasonable efforts to conclude processing or examination of an application for the cumulative total of any periods of time in excess of 3 months that are taken to respond to a notice from the Office making any rejection, objection, argument, or other request, measuring such 3-month period from the date the notice was given or mailed to the applicant. (iii) The Director shall prescribe regulations establishing the circumstances that constitute a failure of an applicant to engage in reasonable efforts to conclude processing or examination of an application. (3) Procedures for patent term adjustment determination. - (A) The Director shall prescribe regulations establishing procedures for the application for and determination of patent term adjustments under this subsection. (B) Under the procedures established under subparagraph (A), the Director shall - (i) make a determination of the period of any patent term adjustment under this subsection, and shall transmit a notice of that determination with the written notice of allowance of the application under section 151; and (ii) provide the applicant one opportunity to request reconsideration of any patent term adjustment determination made by the Director. (C) The Director shall reinstate all or part of the cumulative period of time of an adjustment under paragraph (2)(C) if the applicant, prior to the issuance of the patent, makes a showing that, in spite of all due care, the applicant was unable to respond within the 3-month period, but in no case shall more than three additional months for each such response beyond the original 3-month period be reinstated. (D) The Director shall proceed to grant the patent after completion of the Director's determination of a patent term adjustment under the procedures established under this subsection, notwithstanding any appeal taken by the applicant of such determination. (4) Appeal of patent term adjustment determination. - (A) An applicant dissatisfied with a determination made by the Director under paragraph (3) shall have remedy by a civil action against the Director filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia within 180 days after the grant of the patent. Chapter 7 of title 5 shall apply to such action. Any final judgment resulting in a change to the period of adjustment of the patent term shall be served on the Director, and the Director shall thereafter alter the term of the patent to reflect such change. (B) The determination of a patent term adjustment under this subsection shall not be subject to appeal or challenge by a third party prior to the grant of the patent. (c) Continuation. - (1) Determination. - The term of a patent that is in force on or that results from an application filed before the date that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act shall be the greater of the 20-year term as provided in subsection (a), or 17 years from grant, subject to any terminal disclaimers. (2) Remedies. - The remedies of sections 283, 284, and 285 of this title shall not apply to acts which - (A) were commenced or for which substantial investment was made before the date that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act; and (B) became infringing by reason of paragraph (1). (3) Remuneration. - The acts referred to in paragraph (2) may be continued only upon the payment of an equitable remuneration to the patentee that is determined in an action brought under chapter 28 and chapter 29 (other than those provisions excluded by paragraph (2)) of this title.(!1) (d) Provisional Rights. - (1) In general. - In addition to other rights provided by this section, a patent shall include the right to obtain a reasonable royalty from any person who, during the period beginning on the date of publication of the application for such patent under section 122(b), or in the case of an international application filed under the treaty defined in section 351(a) designating the United States under Article 21(2)(a) of such treaty, the date of publication of the application, and ending on the date the patent is issued - (A)(i) makes, uses, offers for sale, or sells in the United States the invention as claimed in the published patent application or imports such an invention into the United States; or (ii) if the invention as claimed in the published patent application is a process, uses, offers for sale, or sells in the United States or imports into the United States products made by that process as claimed in the published patent application; and (B) had actual notice of the published patent application and, in a case in which the right arising under this paragraph is based upon an international application designating the United States that is published in a language other than English, had a translation of the international application into the English language. (2) Right based on substantially identical inventions. - The right under paragraph (1) to obtain a reasonable royalty shall not be available under this subsection unless the invention as claimed in the patent is substantially identical to the invention as claimed in the published patent application. (3) Time limitation on obtaining a reasonable royalty. - The right under paragraph (1) to obtain a reasonable royalty shall be available only in an action brought not later than 6 years after the patent is issued. The right under paragraph (1) to obtain a reasonable royalty shall not be affected by the duration of the period described in paragraph (1). (4) Requirements for international applications. - (A) Effective date. - The right under paragraph (1) to obtain a reasonable royalty based upon the publication under the treaty defined in section 351(a) of an international application designating the United States shall commence on the date of publication under the treaty of the international application, or, if the publication under the treaty of the international application is in a language other than English, on the date on which the Patent and Trademark Office receives a translation of the publication in the English language. (B) Copies. - The Director may require the applicant to provide a copy of the international application and a translation thereof. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 804; Pub. L. 89-83, Sec. 5, July 24, 1965, 79 Stat. 261; Pub. L. 96-517, Sec. 4, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 3018; Pub. L. 100-418, title IX, Sec. 9002, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1563; Pub. L. 103-465, title V, Sec. 532(a)(1), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4983; Pub. L. 104-295, Sec. 20(e)(1), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3529; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4402(a), 4504], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-557, 1501A-564; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Secs. 13204, 13206(a)(8), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1902, 1904.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 40 (R.S. 4884, amended May 23, 1930, ch. 312, Sec. 1, 46 Stat. 376). The reference to plants is omitted for inclusion in another section and the reference to the title is shortened since the title is of no legal significance. The wording of the granting clause is changed to "the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling", following language used by the Supreme Court, to render the meaning clearer. "United States" is defined in section 100. -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT The date of the enactment of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), (2)(A), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 103-465, which was approved Dec. 8, 1994. -MISC2- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(a)(8), struck out ", United States Code," after "title 5". Subsec. (d)(4)(A). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13204, amended subsec. (d)(4)(A) as in effect on Nov. 29, 2000, by substituting "the date of" for "the date on which the Patent and Trademark Office receives a copy of the" and "publication in the English language" for "international application in the English language". 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4504(1)], inserted "; provisional rights" after "patent" in section catchline. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4402(a)], amended heading and text of subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, text provided for interference delay or secrecy orders, extensions for appellate review, a limitations period, and a maximum period of 5 years duration for all extensions. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4504(2)], added subsec. (d). 1996 - Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 104-295 substituted "acts" for "Acts" in introductory provisions. 1994 - Pub. L. 103-465 amended section catchline and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Every patent shall contain a short title of the invention and a grant to the patentee, his heirs or assigns, for the term of seventeen years, subject to the payment of fees as provided for in this title, of the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling the invention throughout the United States and, if the invention is a process, of the right to exclude others from using or selling throughout the United States, or importing into the United States, products made by that process,, referring to the specification for the particulars thereof. A copy of the specification and drawings shall be annexed to the patent and be a part thereof." 1988 - Pub. L. 100-418 inserted "and, if the invention is a process, of the right to exclude others from using or selling throughout the United States, or importing into the United States, products made by that process," after "United States". 1980 - Pub. L. 96-517 substituted "payment of fees" for "payment of issue fees". 1965 - Pub. L. 89-83 added "subject to the payment of issue fees as provided for in this title". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4405(a)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-560, provided that: "The amendments made by sections 4402 and 4404 [amending this section, sections 156 and 282 of this title, and section 1295 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure] shall take effect on the date that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999] and, except for a design patent application filed under chapter 16 of title 35, United States Code, shall apply to any application filed on or after the date that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act." Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4504] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 2000, applicable only to applications (including international applications designating the United States) filed on or after that date, and additionally applicable to any pending application filed before Nov. 29, 2000, if such pending application is published pursuant to a request of the applicant under such procedures as may be established by the Director, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4508] of Pub. L. 106-113, as amended, set out as a note under section 10 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Section 534 of title V of Pub. L. 103-465 provided that: "(a) In General. - Subject to subsection (b), the amendments made by this subtitle [subtitle C (Secs. 531-534) of title V of Pub. L. 103-465, amending this section and sections 41, 104, 111, 119, 156, 172, 173, 252, 262, 271, 272, 287, 292, 295, 307, 365, and 373 of this title] take effect on the date that is one year after the date on which the WTO Agreement enters into force with respect to the United States [Jan. 1, 1995]. "(b) Patent Applications. - "(1) In general. - Subject to paragraph (2), the amendments made by section 532 [amending this section and sections 41, 111, 119, 156, 172, 173, 365, and 373 of this title] take effect on the date that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 8, 1994] and shall apply to all patent applications filed in the United States on or after the effective date. "(2) Section 154(a)(1). - Section 154(a)(1) of title 35, United States Code, as amended by section 532(a)(1) of this Act, shall take effect on the effective date described in subsection (a). "(3) Earliest filing. - The term of a patent granted on an application that is filed on or after the effective date described in subsection (a) and that contains a specific reference to an earlier application filed under the provisions of section 120, 121, or 365(c) of title 35, United States Code, shall be measured from the filing date of the earliest filed application." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1988 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 100-418 effective 6 months after Aug. 23, 1988, and, subject to enumerated exceptions, applicable only with respect to products made or imported after such effective date, see section 9006 of Pub. L. 100-418, set out as a note under section 271 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1980 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 96-517 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 8(a) of Pub. L. 96-517, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1965 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 89-83 effective three months after July 24, 1965, see section 7(a) of Pub. L. 89-83, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. REGULATIONS Section 532(a)(2) of Pub. L. 103-465 authorized the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to prescribe regulations for further limited reexamination of applications pending 2 years or longer and for examination of more than 1 independent and distinct invention in applications pending 3 years or longer, as of the effective date of section 154(a)(2) of this title, and to establish appropriate related fees. -FOOTNOTE- (!1) So in original. Probably should be "subsection." -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 155 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 14 - ISSUE OF PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 155. Patent term extension -STATUTE- Notwithstanding the provisions of section 154, the term of a patent which encompasses within its scope a composition of matter or a process for using such composition shall be extended if such composition or process has been subjected to a regulatory review by the Federal Food and Drug Administration pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act leading to the publication of regulation permitting the interstate distribution and sale of such composition or process and for which there has thereafter been a stay of regulation of approval imposed pursuant to section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act which stay was in effect on January 1, 1981, by a length of time to be measured from the date such stay of regulation of approval was imposed until such proceedings are finally resolved and commercial marketing permitted. The patentee, his heirs, successors or assigns shall notify the Director within ninety days of the date of enactment of this section or the date the stay of regulation of approval has been removed, whichever is later, of the number of the patent to be extended and the date the stay was imposed and the date commercial marketing was permitted. On receipt of such notice, the Director shall promptly issue to the owner of record of the patent a certificate of extension, under seal, stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the composition of matter or process for using such composition to which such extension is applicable. Such certificate shall be recorded in the official file of each patent extended and such certificate shall be considered as part of the original patent, and an appropriate notice shall be published in the Official Gazette of the Patent and Trademark Office. -SOURCE- (Added Pub. L. 97-414, Sec. 11(a), Jan. 4, 1983, 96 Stat. 2065; amended Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(6), (10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, referred to in text, is act June 25, 1938, ch. 675, 52 Stat. 1040, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 9 (Sec. 301 et seq.) of Title 21, Food and Drugs. Section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act is classified to section 348 of Title 21. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 301 of Title 21 and Tables. Date of enactment of this section, referred to in text, means date of enactment of Pub. L. 97-414, which was approved Jan. 4, 1983. -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director shall promptly" for "Commissioner shall promptly". Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(6)], substituted "notify the Director" for "notify the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 155A 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 14 - ISSUE OF PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 155A. Patent term restoration -STATUTE- (a) Notwithstanding section 154 of this title, the term of each of the following patents shall be extended in accordance with this section: (1) Any patent which encompasses within its scope a composition of matter which is a new drug product, if during the regulatory review of the product by the Federal Food and Drug Administration - (A) the Federal Food and Drug Administration notified the patentee, by letter dated February 20, 1976, that such product's new drug application was not approvable under section 505(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; (B) in 1977 the patentee submitted to the Federal Food and Drug Administration the results of a health effects test to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of such product; (C) the Federal Food and Drug Administration approved, by letter dated December 18, 1979, the new drug application for such product; and (D) the Federal Food and Drug Administration approved, by letter dated May 26, 1981, a supplementary application covering the facility for the production of such product. (2) Any patent which encompasses within its scope a process for using the composition of matter described in paragraph (1). (b) The term of any patent described in subsection (a) shall be extended for a period equal to the period beginning February 20, 1976, and ending May 26, 1981, and such patent shall have the effect as if originally issued with such extended term. (c) The patentee of any patent described in subsection (a) of this section shall, within ninety days after the date of enactment of this section, notify the Director of the number of any patent so extended. On receipt of such notice, the Director shall confirm such extension by placing a notice thereof in the official file of such patent and publishing an appropriate notice of such extension in the Official Gazette of the Patent and Trademark Office. -SOURCE- (Added Pub. L. 98-127, Sec. 4(a), Oct. 13, 1983, 97 Stat. 832; amended Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(7), (10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT Section 505(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(A), is classified to section 355(b)(1) of Title 21, Food and Drugs. The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (c), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 98-127, which was approved Oct. 13, 1983. -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director shall confirm" for "Commissioner shall confirm". Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(7)], substituted "notify the Director" for "notify the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 156 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 14 - ISSUE OF PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 156. Extension of patent term -STATUTE- (a) The term of a patent which claims a product, a method of using a product, or a method of manufacturing a product shall be extended in accordance with this section from the original expiration date of the patent, which shall include any patent term adjustment granted under section 154(b), if - (1) the term of the patent has not expired before an application is submitted under subsection (d)(1) for its extension; (2) the term of the patent has never been extended under subsection (e)(1) of this section; (3) an application for extension is submitted by the owner of record of the patent or its agent and in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (d); (4) the product has been subject to a regulatory review period before its commercial marketing or use; (5)(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B) or (C), the permission for the commercial marketing or use of the product after such regulatory review period is the first permitted commercial marketing or use of the product under the provision of law under which such regulatory review period occurred; (B) in the case of a patent which claims a method of manufacturing the product which primarily uses recombinant DNA technology in the manufacture of the product, the permission for the commercial marketing or use of the product after such regulatory review period is the first permitted commercial marketing or use of a product manufactured under the process claimed in the patent; or (C) for purposes of subparagraph (A), in the case of a patent which - (i) claims a new animal drug or a veterinary biological product which (I) is not covered by the claims in any other patent which has been extended, and (II) has received permission for the commercial marketing or use in non-food- producing animals and in food-producing animals, and (ii) was not extended on the basis of the regulatory review period for use in non-food-producing animals, the permission for the commercial marketing or use of the drug or product after the regulatory review period for use in food- producing animals is the first permitted commercial marketing or use of the drug or product for administration to a food-producing animal. The product referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5) is hereinafter in this section referred to as the "approved product". (b) Except as provided in subsection (d)(5)(F), the rights derived from any patent the term of which is extended under this section shall during the period during which the term of the patent is extended - (1) in the case of a patent which claims a product, be limited to any use approved for the product - (A) before the expiration of the term of the patent - (i) under the provision of law under which the applicable regulatory review occurred, or (ii) under the provision of law under which any regulatory review described in paragraph (1), (4), or (5) of subsection (g) occurred, and (B) on or after the expiration of the regulatory review period upon which the extension of the patent was based; (2) in the case of a patent which claims a method of using a product, be limited to any use claimed by the patent and approved for the product - (A) before the expiration of the term of the patent - (i) under any provision of law under which an applicable regulatory review occurred, and (ii) under the provision of law under which any regulatory review described in paragraph (1), (4), or (5) of subsection (g) occurred, and (B) on or after the expiration of the regulatory review period upon which the extension of the patent was based; and (3) in the case of a patent which claims a method of manufacturing a product, be limited to the method of manufacturing as used to make - (A) the approved product, or (B) the product if it has been subject to a regulatory review period described in paragraph (1), (4), or (5) of subsection (g). As used in this subsection, the term "product" includes an approved product. (c) The term of a patent eligible for extension under subsection (a) shall be extended by the time equal to the regulatory review period for the approved product which period occurs after the date the patent is issued, except that - (1) each period of the regulatory review period shall be reduced by any period determined under subsection (d)(2)(B) during which the applicant for the patent extension did not act with due diligence during such period of the regulatory review period; (2) after any reduction required by paragraph (1), the period of extension shall include only one-half of the time remaining in the periods described in paragraphs (1)(B)(i), (2)(B)(i), (3)(B)(i), (4)(B)(i), and (5)(B)(i) of subsection (g); (3) if the period remaining in the term of a patent after the date of the approval of the approved product under the provision of law under which such regulatory review occurred when added to the regulatory review period as revised under paragraphs (1) and (2) exceeds fourteen years, the period of extension shall be reduced so that the total of both such periods does not exceed fourteen years; and (4) in no event shall more than one patent be extended under subsection (e)(1) for the same regulatory review period for any product. (d)(1) To obtain an extension of the term of a patent under this section, the owner of record of the patent or its agent shall submit an application to the Director. Except as provided in paragraph (5), such an application may only be submitted within the sixty-day period beginning on the date the product received permission under the provision of law under which the applicable regulatory review period occurred for commercial marketing or use. The application shall contain - (A) the identity of the approved product and the Federal statute under which regulatory review occurred; (B) the identity of the patent for which an extension is being sought and the identity of each claim of such patent which claims the approved product or a method of using or manufacturing the approved product; (C) information to enable the Director to determine under subsections (a) and (b) the eligibility of a patent for extension and the rights that will be derived from the extension and information to enable the Director and the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Secretary of Agriculture to determine the period of the extension under subsection (g); (D) a brief description of the activities undertaken by the applicant during the applicable regulatory review period with respect to the approved product and the significant dates applicable to such activities; and (E) such patent or other information as the Director may require. (2)(A) Within 60 days of the submittal of an application for extension of the term of a patent under paragraph (1), the Director shall notify - (i) the Secretary of Agriculture if the patent claims a drug product or a method of using or manufacturing a drug product and the drug product is subject to the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act, and (ii) the Secretary of Health and Human Services if the patent claims any other drug product, a medical device, or a food additive or color additive or a method of using or manufacturing such a product, device, or additive and if the product, device, and additive are subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, of the extension application and shall submit to the Secretary who is so notified a copy of the application. Not later than 30 days after the receipt of an application from the Director, the Secretary receiving the application shall review the dates contained in the application pursuant to paragraph (1)(C) and determine the applicable regulatory review period, shall notify the Director of the determination, and shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of such determination. (B)(i) If a petition is submitted to the Secretary making the determination under subparagraph (A), not later than 180 days after the publication of the determination under subparagraph (A), upon which it may reasonably be determined that the applicant did not act with due diligence during the applicable regulatory review period, the Secretary making the determination shall, in accordance with regulations promulgated by such Secretary, determine if the applicant acted with due diligence during the applicable regulatory review period. The Secretary making the determination shall make such determination not later than 90 days after the receipt of such a petition. For a drug product, device, or additive subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or the Public Health Service Act, the Secretary may not delegate the authority to make the determination prescribed by this clause to an office below the Office of the Director (!1) of Food and Drugs. For a product subject to the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act, the Secretary of Agriculture may not delegate the authority to make the determination prescribed by this clause to an office below the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Inspection Services. (ii) The Secretary making a determination under clause (i) shall notify the Director of the determination and shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of such determination together with the factual and legal basis for such determination. Any interested person may request, within the 60-day period beginning on the publication of a determination, the Secretary making the determination to hold an informal hearing on the determination. If such a request is made within such period, such Secretary shall hold such hearing not later than 30 days after the date of the request, or at the request of the person making the request, not later than 60 days after such date. The Secretary who is holding the hearing shall provide notice of the hearing to the owner of the patent involved and to any interested person and provide the owner and any interested person an opportunity to participate in the hearing. Within 30 days after the completion of the hearing, such Secretary shall affirm or revise the determination which was the subject of the hearing and shall notify the Director of any revision of the determination and shall publish any such revision in the Federal Register. (3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(B), the term "due diligence" means that degree of attention, continuous directed effort, and timeliness as may reasonably be expected from, and are ordinarily exercised by, a person during a regulatory review period. (4) An application for the extension of the term of a patent is subject to the disclosure requirements prescribed by the Director. (5)(A) If the owner of record of the patent or its agent reasonably expects that the applicable regulatory review period described in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), (2)(B)(ii), (3)(B)(ii), (4)(B)(ii), or (5)(B)(ii) of subsection (g) that began for a product that is the subject of such patent may extend beyond the expiration of the patent term in effect, the owner or its agent may submit an application to the Director for an interim extension during the period beginning 6 months, and ending 15 days, before such term is due to expire. The application shall contain - (i) the identity of the product subject to regulatory review and the Federal statute under which such review is occurring; (ii) the identity of the patent for which interim extension is being sought and the identity of each claim of such patent which claims the product under regulatory review or a method of using or manufacturing the product; (iii) information to enable the Director to determine under subsection (a)(1), (2), and (3) the eligibility of a patent for extension; (iv) a brief description of the activities undertaken by the applicant during the applicable regulatory review period to date with respect to the product under review and the significant dates applicable to such activities; and (v) such patent or other information as the Director may require. (B) If the Director determines that, except for permission to market or use the product commercially, the patent would be eligible for an extension of the patent term under this section, the Director shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of such determination, including the identity of the product under regulatory review, and shall issue to the applicant a certificate of interim extension for a period of not more than 1 year. (C) The owner of record of a patent, or its agent, for which an interim extension has been granted under subparagraph (B), may apply for not more than 4 subsequent interim extensions under this paragraph, except that, in the case of a patent subject to subsection (g)(6)(C), the owner of record of the patent, or its agent, may apply for only 1 subsequent interim extension under this paragraph. Each such subsequent application shall be made during the period beginning 60 days before, and ending 30 days before, the expiration of the preceding interim extension. (D) Each certificate of interim extension under this paragraph shall be recorded in the official file of the patent and shall be considered part of the original patent. (E) Any interim extension granted under this paragraph shall terminate at the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date on which the product involved receives permission for commercial marketing or use, except that, if within that 60-day period the applicant notifies the Director of such permission and submits any additional information under paragraph (1) of this subsection not previously contained in the application for interim extension, the patent shall be further extended, in accordance with the provisions of this section - (i) for not to exceed 5 years from the date of expiration of the original patent term; or (ii) if the patent is subject to subsection (g)(6)(C), from the date on which the product involved receives approval for commercial marketing or use. (F) The rights derived from any patent the term of which is extended under this paragraph shall, during the period of interim extension - (i) in the case of a patent which claims a product, be limited to any use then under regulatory review; (ii) in the case of a patent which claims a method of using a product, be limited to any use claimed by the patent then under regulatory review; and (iii) in the case of a patent which claims a method of manufacturing a product, be limited to the method of manufacturing as used to make the product then under regulatory review. (e)(1) A determination that a patent is eligible for extension may be made by the Director solely on the basis of the representations contained in the application for the extension. If the Director determines that a patent is eligible for extension under subsection (a) and that the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (d) have been complied with, the Director shall issue to the applicant for the extension of the term of the patent a certificate of extension, under seal, for the period prescribed by subsection (c). Such certificate shall be recorded in the official file of the patent and shall be considered as part of the original patent. (2) If the term of a patent for which an application has been submitted under subsection (d)(1) would expire before a certificate of extension is issued or denied under paragraph (1) respecting the application, the Director shall extend, until such determination is made, the term of the patent for periods of up to one year if he determines that the patent is eligible for extension. (f) For purposes of this section: (1) The term "product" means: (A) A drug product. (B) Any medical device, food additive, or color additive subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. (2) The term "drug product" means the active ingredient of - (A) a new drug, antibiotic drug, or human biological product (as those terms are used in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act), or (B) a new animal drug or veterinary biological product (as those terms are used in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act) which is not primarily manufactured using recombinant DNA, recombinant RNA, hybridoma technology, or other processes involving site specific genetic manipulation techniques, including any salt or ester of the active ingredient, as a single entity or in combination with another active ingredient. (3) The term "major health or environmental effects test" means a test which is reasonably related to the evaluation of the health or environmental effects of a product, which requires at least six months to conduct, and the data from which is submitted to receive permission for commercial marketing or use. Periods of analysis or evaluation of test results are not to be included in determining if the conduct of a test required at least six months. (4)(A) Any reference to section 351 is a reference to section 351 of the Public Health Service Act. (B) Any reference to section 503, 505, 512, or 515 is a reference to section 503, 505, 512, or 515 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. (C) Any reference to the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act is a reference to the Act of March 4, 1913 (21 U.S.C. 151-158). (5) The term "informal hearing" has the meaning prescribed for such term by section 201(y) (!2) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. (6) The term "patent" means a patent issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. (7) The term "date of enactment" as used in this section means September 24, 1984, for a human drug product, a medical device, food additive, or color additive. (8) The term "date of enactment" as used in this section means the date of enactment of the Generic Animal Drug and Patent Term Restoration Act for an animal drug or a veterinary biological product. (g) For purposes of this section, the term "regulatory review period" has the following meanings: (1)(A) In the case of a product which is a new drug, antibiotic drug, or human biological product, the term means the period described in subparagraph (B) to which the limitation described in paragraph (6) applies. (B) The regulatory review period for a new drug, antibiotic drug, or human biological product is the sum of - (i) the period beginning on the date an exemption under subsection (i) of section 505 or subsection (d) of section 507 (!2) became effective for the approved product and ending on the date an application was initially submitted for such drug product under section 351, 505, or 507,(!2) and (ii) the period beginning on the date the application was initially submitted for the approved product under section 351, subsection (b) of section 505, or section 507 (!2) and ending on the date such application was approved under such section. (2)(A) In the case of a product which is a food additive or color additive, the term means the period described in subparagraph (B) to which the limitation described in paragraph (6) applies. (B) The regulatory review period for a food or color additive is the sum of - (i) the period beginning on the date a major health or environmental effects test on the additive was initiated and ending on the date a petition was initially submitted with respect to the product under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requesting the issuance of a regulation for use of the product, and (ii) the period beginning on the date a petition was initially submitted with respect to the product under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requesting the issuance of a regulation for use of the product, and ending on the date such regulation became effective or, if objections were filed to such regulation, ending on the date such objections were resolved and commercial marketing was permitted or, if commercial marketing was permitted and later revoked pending further proceedings as a result of such objections, ending on the date such proceedings were finally resolved and commercial marketing was permitted. (3)(A) In the case of a product which is a medical device, the term means the period described in subparagraph (B) to which the limitation described in paragraph (6) applies. (B) The regulatory review period for a medical device is the sum of - (i) the period beginning on the date a clinical investigation on humans involving the device was begun and ending on the date an application was initially submitted with respect to the device under section 515, and (ii) the period beginning on the date an application was initially submitted with respect to the device under section 515 and ending on the date such application was approved under such Act or the period beginning on the date a notice of completion of a product development protocol was initially submitted under section 515(f)(5) and ending on the date the protocol was declared completed under section 515(f)(6). (4)(A) In the case of a product which is a new animal drug, the term means the period described in subparagraph (B) to which the limitation described in paragraph (6) applies. (B) The regulatory review period for a new animal drug product is the sum of - (i) the period beginning on the earlier of the date a major health or environmental effects test on the drug was initiated or the date an exemption under subsection (j) of section 512 became effective for the approved new animal drug product and ending on the date an application was initially submitted for such animal drug product under section 512, and (ii) the period beginning on the date the application was initially submitted for the approved animal drug product under subsection (b) of section 512 and ending on the date such application was approved under such section. (5)(A) In the case of a product which is a veterinary biological product, the term means the period described in subparagraph (B) to which the limitation described in paragraph (6) applies. (B) The regulatory period for a veterinary biological product is the sum of - (i) the period beginning on the date the authority to prepare an experimental biological product under the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act became effective and ending on the date an application for a license was submitted under the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act, and (ii) the period beginning on the date an application for a license was initially submitted for approval under the Virus- Serum-Toxin Act and ending on the date such license was issued. (6) A period determined under any of the preceding paragraphs is subject to the following limitations: (A) If the patent involved was issued after the date of the enactment of this section, the period of extension determined on the basis of the regulatory review period determined under any such paragraph may not exceed five years. (B) If the patent involved was issued before the date of the enactment of this section and - (i) no request for an exemption described in paragraph (1)(B) or (4)(B) was submitted and no request for the authority described in paragraph (5)(B) was submitted, (ii) no major health or environmental effects test described in paragraph (2)(B) or (4)(B) was initiated and no petition for a regulation or application for registration described in such paragraph was submitted, or (iii) no clinical investigation described in paragraph (3) was begun or product development protocol described in such paragraph was submitted, before such date for the approved product the period of extension determined on the basis of the regulatory review period determined under any such paragraph may not exceed five years. (C) If the patent involved was issued before the date of the enactment of this section and if an action described in subparagraph (B) was taken before the date of the enactment of this section with respect to the approved product and the commercial marketing or use of the product has not been approved before such date, the period of extension determined on the basis of the regulatory review period determined under such paragraph may not exceed two years or in the case of an approved product which is a new animal drug or veterinary biological product (as those terms are used in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act), three years. (h) The Director may establish such fees as the Director determines appropriate to cover the costs to the Office of receiving and acting upon applications under this section. -SOURCE- (Added Pub. L. 98-417, title II, Sec. 201(a), Sept. 24, 1984, 98 Stat. 1598; amended Pub. L. 100-670, title II, Sec. 201(a)-(h), Nov. 16, 1988, 102 Stat. 3984-3987; Pub. L. 103-179, Secs. 5, 6, Dec. 3, 1993, 107 Stat. 2040, 2042; Pub. L. 103-465, title V, Sec. 532(c)(1), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4987; Pub. L. 105-115, title I, Sec. 125(b)(2)(P), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2326; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4404, 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-560, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107- 273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(a)(9), (b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1904, 1906.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT The Virus-Serum-Toxin Act, referred to in subsecs. (d)(2)(A)(i), (B)(i), (f)(2)(B), (4)(C), and (g)(5)(B), (6)(C), is the eighth paragraph under the heading "Bureau of Animal Industry" of act Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 145, 37 Stat. 828, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 5 (Sec. 151 et seq.) of Title 21, Food and Drugs. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 151 of Title 21 and Tables. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, referred to in subsecs. (d)(2)(A)(ii), (B)(ii), (f), and (g)(2)(B), (3)(B)(ii), (6)(C), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 675, 52 Stat. 1040, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 9 (Sec. 301 et seq.) of Title 21. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 301 of Title 21 and Tables. The Public Health Service Act, referred to in subsecs. (d)(2)(B)(i) and (f)(2)(A), is act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, 58 Stat. 682, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 6A (Sec. 201 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 201 of Title 42 and Tables. Sections 503, 505, 512, and 515 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, referred to in subsecs. (f)(4)(B) and (g)(1)(B), (3)(B), are classified, respectively, to sections 353, 355, 360b, and 360e of Title 21, Food and Drugs. Section 507 of the Act, referred to in subsec. (g)(1)(B), was classified to section 357 of Title 21, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105-115, title I, Sec. 125(b)(1), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2325. Section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(5), which is classified to section 321 of Title 21, was subsequently amended, and section 201(y) no longer defines the term "informal hearing". However, such term is defined elsewhere in that section. Section 351 of the Public Health Service Act, referred to in subsecs. (f)(4)(A) and (g)(1)(B)(i), (ii), is classified to section 262 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. The date of enactment of the Generic Animal Drug and Patent Term Restoration Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(8), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 100-670, which was approved Nov. 16, 1988. The date of the enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (g)(6), is the date of the enactment of Pub. L. 98-417, which was approved Sept. 24, 1984. -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(a)(9)(A), substituted "paragraph" for "paragraphs". Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. Subsec. (d)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(a)(9)(B), substituted "below the Office" for "below the office". Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. Subsec. (g)(6)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(a)(9)(C), substituted "submitted" for "submittted". Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4404], in introductory provisions, inserted ", which shall include any patent term adjustment granted under section 154(b)," after "the original expiration date of the patent". Subsecs. (d), (e), (h). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing. 1997 - Subsec. (f)(4)(B). Pub. L. 105-115, Sec. 125(b)(2)(P), struck out "507," after "505," in two places. 1994 - Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103-465 inserted "under subsection (e)(1) of this section" after "extended". 1993 - Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103-179, Sec. 6(1)(A), substituted "subsection (d)(1)" for "subsection (d)". Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 103-179, Sec. 6(1)(B), substituted "paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (d)" for "subsection (d)". Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103-179, Sec. 6(2), substituted "Except as provided in subsection (d)(5)(F), the rights" for "The rights" in introductory provisions. Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 103-179, Sec. 5(1), substituted "extended under subsection (e)(1)" for "extended". Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 103-179, Sec. 5(2), substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (5), such" for "Such" in second sentence. Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 103-179, Sec. 5(3), added par. (5). Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 103-179, Sec. 6(3)(A), substituted "paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (d)" for "subsection (d)". Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 103-179, Sec. 6(3)(B), substituted "subsection (d)(1)" for "subsection (d)". 1988 - Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(a)(1), inserted "or (C)" after "in subparagraph (B)". Subsec. (a)(5)(C). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(a)(2), (3), added subpar. (C). Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(b), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "The rights derived from any patent the term of which is extended under this section shall during the period during which the patent is extended - "(1) in the case of a patent which claims a product, be limited to any use approved for the approved product before the expiration of the term of the patent under the provision of law under which the applicable regulatory review occurred; "(2) in the case of a patent which claims a method of using a product, be limited to any use claimed by the patent and approved for the approved product before the expiration of the term of the patent under the provision of law under which the applicable regulatory review occurred; and "(3) in the case of a patent which claims a method of manufacturing a product, be limited to the method of manufacturing as used to make the approved product." Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(c), substituted "(3)(B)(i), (4)(B)(i), and (5)(B)(i)" for "and (3)(B)(i)". Subsec. (d)(1)(C). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(d), inserted "or the Secretary of Agriculture" after "and Human Services". Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(e), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: "Within sixty days of the submittal of an application for extension of the term of a patent under paragraph (1), the Commissioner shall notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services if the patent claims any human drug product, a medical device, or a food additive or color additive or a method of using or manufacturing such a product, device, or additive and if the product, device, and additive are subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, of the extension application and shall submit to the Secretary a copy of the application. Not later than thirty days after the receipt of an application from the Commissioner, the Secretary shall review the dates contained in the application pursuant to paragraph (1)(C) and determine the applicable regulatory review period, shall notify the Commissioner of the determination, and shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of such determination." Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(f), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "(i) If a petition is submitted to the Secretary under subparagraph (A), not later than one hundred and eighty days after the publication of the determination under subparagraph (A), upon which it may reasonably be determined that the applicant did not act with due diligence during the applicable regulatory review period, the Secretary shall, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary determine if the applicant acted with due diligence during the applicable regulatory review period. The Secretary shall make such determination not later than ninety days after the receipt of such a petition. The Secretary may not delegate the authority to make the determination prescribed by this subparagraph to an office below the Office of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. "(ii) The Secretary shall notify the Commissioner of the determination and shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of such determination together with the factual and legal basis for such determination. Any interested person may request, within the sixty-day period beginning on the publication of a determination, the Secretary to hold an informal hearing on the determination. If such a request is made within such period, the Secretary shall hold such hearing not later than thirty days after the date of the request, or at the request of the person making the request, not later than sixty days after such date. The Secretary shall provide notice of the hearing to the owner of the patent involved and to any interested person and provide the owner and any interested person an opportunity to participate in the hearing. Within thirty days after the completion of the hearing, the Secretary shall affirm or revise the determination which was the subject of the hearing and notify the Commissioner of any revision of the determination and shall publish any such revision in the Federal Register." Subsec. (f)(1)(A). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(g)(1), struck out "human" before "drug product". Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(g)(1), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "The term 'human drug product' means the active ingredient of a new drug, antibiotic drug, or human biological product (as those terms are used in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act) including any salt or ester of the active ingredient, as a single entity or in combination with another active ingredient." Subsec. (f)(4)(B), (C). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(g)(2), which directed general amendment of subpars. (B) and (C) of par. (4), was executed by amending subpar. (B) generally, and adding subpar. (C) as probable intent of Congress in light of absence of subpar. (C) in par. (4). Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "Any reference to section 503, 505, 507, or 515 is a reference to section 503, 505, 507, or 515 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act." Subsec. (f)(7), (8). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(g)(3), added pars. (7) and (8). Subsec. (g)(1)(A). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(h)(1)(A), (2), substituted "new drug, antibiotic drug, or human biological product" for "human drug product" and "paragraph (6)" for "paragraph (4)". Subsec. (g)(1)(B). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(h)(1)(B), substituted "new drug, antibiotic drug, or human biological product" for "human drug product" in introductory provisions and "product" for "human drug product" in cls. (i) and (ii). Subsec. (g)(2)(A), (3)(A). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(h)(3), substituted "paragraph (6)" for "paragraph (4)". Subsec. (g)(4), (5). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(h)(4), added pars. (4) and (5). Former par. (4) redesignated (6). Subsec. (g)(6). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(h)(4), redesignated former par. (4) as (6). Subsec. (g)(6)(B)(i). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(h)(5)(A), substituted "paragraph (1)(B) or (4)(B) was submitted and no request for the authority described in paragraph (5)(B) was submitted" for "paragraph (1)(B) was submitted". Subsec. (g)(6)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(h)(5)(B), substituted "paragraph (2)(B) or (4)(B)" for "paragraph (2)". Subsec. (g)(6)(C). Pub. L. 100-670, Sec. 201(h)(5)(C), inserted "or in the case of an approved product which is a new animal drug or veterinary biological product (as those terms are used in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act), three years" after "exceed two years". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4404] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective on date that is 6 months after Nov. 29, 1999, and, except for design patent application filed under chapter 16 of this title, applicable to any application filed on or after such date, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4405(a)] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 154 of this title. Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 103-465 effective 6 months after Dec. 8, 1994, and applicable to all patent applications filed in the United States on or after that effective date, with provisions relating to earliest filed patent application, see section 534(b)(1), (3) of Pub. L. 103-465, set out as a note under section 154 of this title. -FOOTNOTE- (!1) So in original. Probably should be "Commissioner". (!2) See References in Text note below. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 157 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 14 - ISSUE OF PATENT -HEAD- Sec. 157. Statutory invention registration -STATUTE- (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Director is authorized to publish a statutory invention registration containing the specification and drawings of a regularly filed application for a patent without examination if the applicant - (1) meets the requirements of section 112 of this title; (2) has complied with the requirements for printing, as set forth in regulations of the Director; (3) waives the right to receive a patent on the invention within such period as may be prescribed by the Director; and (4) pays application, publication, and other processing fees established by the Director. If an interference is declared with respect to such an application, a statutory invention registration may not be published unless the issue of priority of invention is finally determined in favor of the applicant. (b) The waiver under subsection (a)(3) of this section by an applicant shall take effect upon publication of the statutory invention registration. (c) A statutory invention registration published pursuant to this section shall have all of the attributes specified for patents in this title except those specified in section 183 and sections 271 through 289 of this title. A statutory invention registration shall not have any of the attributes specified for patents in any other provision of law other than this title. A statutory invention registration published pursuant to this section shall give appropriate notice to the public, pursuant to regulations which the Director shall issue, of the preceding provisions of this subsection. The invention with respect to which a statutory invention certificate is published is not a patented invention for purposes of section 292 of this title. (d) The Director shall report to the Congress annually on the use of statutory invention registrations. Such report shall include an assessment of the degree to which agencies of the Federal Government are making use of the statutory invention registration system, the degree to which it aids the management of federally developed technology, and an assessment of the cost savings to the Federal Government of the use of such procedures. -SOURCE- (Added Pub. L. 98-622, title I, Sec. 102(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3383; amended Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A), (11)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A- 582, 1501A-583; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsecs. (a), (c). Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)]. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Subsecs. (a), (c). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A), as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(11)], substituted "Director" for "Secretary of Commerce". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE Section 102(c) of Pub. L. 98-622 provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting this section and item 157 in the table of sections of this chapter] shall take effect six months after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1984]." TERMINATION OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (d) of this section relating to annual reports to Congress, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104-66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 51 of House Document No. 103-7. -End- -CITE- 35 USC CHAPTER 15 - PLANT PATENTS 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 15 - PLANT PATENTS -HEAD- CHAPTER 15 - PLANT PATENTS -MISC1- Sec. 161. Patents for plants. 162. Description, claim. 163. Grant. 164. Assistance of Department of Agriculture. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 161 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 15 - PLANT PATENTS -HEAD- Sec. 161. Patents for plants -STATUTE- Whoever invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant, including cultivated sports, mutants, hybrids, and newly found seedlings, other than a tuber propagated plant or a plant found in an uncultivated state, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title. The provisions of this title relating to patents for inventions shall apply to patents for plants, except as otherwise provided. -SOURCE- (June 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 804; Sept. 3, 1954, ch. 1259, 68 Stat. 1190.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 31, part (R.S. 4886, amended (1) Mar. 3, 1897, ch. 391, Sec. 1, 29 Stat. 692, (2) May 23, 1930, ch. 312, Sec. 1, 46 Stat. 376, (3) Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 450, Sec. 1, 53 Stat. 1212). The provision relating to plants in the corresponding section of existing statute is made a separate section. AMENDMENTS 1954 - Act Sept. 3, 1954, provided that plant seedlings, discovered, propagated asexually, and proved to have new characteristics distinct from other known plants are patentable. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 162 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 15 - PLANT PATENTS -HEAD- Sec. 162. Description, claim -STATUTE- No plant patent shall be declared invalid for noncompliance with section 112 of this title if the description is as complete as is reasonably possible. The claim in the specification shall be in formal terms to the plant shown and described. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 804.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 33, part (R.S. 4888, amended (1) Mar. 3, 1915, ch. 94, Sec. 1, 38 Stat. 958, (2) May 23, 1930, ch. 312, Sec. 2, 46 Stat. 376). The first paragraph is the provision in R.S. 4888 (see section 112). The second paragraph is not in the statute but represents the actual practice. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 163 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 15 - PLANT PATENTS -HEAD- Sec. 163. Grant -STATUTE- In the case of a plant patent, the grant shall include the right to exclude others from asexually reproducing the plant, and from using, offering for sale, or selling the plant so reproduced, or any of its parts, throughout the United States, or from importing the plant so reproduced, or any parts thereof, into the United States. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 804; Pub. L. 105-289, Sec. 3(a), Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2781.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 40, part (R.S. 4884, amended May 23, 1930, ch. 312, Sec. 1, 46 Stat. 376). This provision is from R.S. 4884 (see section 154) amended in language. AMENDMENTS 1998 - Pub. L. 105-289 reenacted section catchline without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In the case of a plant patent the grant shall be of the right to exclude others from asexually reproducing the plant or selling or using the plant so reproduced." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 105-289, Sec. 3(b), Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2781, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to any plant patent issued on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 27, 1998]." FINDINGS AND PURPOSES Pub. L. 105-289, Sec. 2, Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2780, provided that: "(a) Findings. - The Congress makes the following findings: "(1) The protection provided by plant patents under title 35, United States Code, dating back to 1930, has historically benefited American agriculture and horticulture and the public by providing an incentive for breeders to develop new plant varieties. "(2) Domestic and foreign agricultural trade is rapidly expanding and is very different from the trade of the past. An unforeseen ambiguity in the provisions of title 35, United States Code, is undermining the orderly collection of royalties due breeders holding United States plant patents. "(3) Plant parts produced from plants protected by United States plant patents are being taken from illegally reproduced plants and traded in United States markets to the detriment of plant patent holders. "(4) Resulting lost royalty income inhibits investment in domestic research and breeding activities associated with a wide variety of crops - an area where the United States has historically enjoyed a strong international position. Such research is the foundation of a strong horticultural industry. "(5) Infringers producing such plant parts from unauthorized plants enjoy an unfair competitive advantage over producers who pay royalties on varieties protected by United States plant patents. "(b) Purposes. - The purposes of this Act [see section 1 of Pub. L. 105-289, set out as a Short Title of 1998 Amendments note under section 1 of this title] are - "(1) to clearly and explicitly provide that title 35, United States Code, protects the owner of a plant patent against the unauthorized sale of plant parts taken from plants illegally reproduced; "(2) to make the protections provided under such title more consistent with those provided breeders of sexually reproduced plants under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.), as amended by the Plant Variety Protection Act Amendments of 1994 (Public Law 103-349); and "(3) to strengthen the ability of United States plant patent holders to enforce their patent rights with regard to importation of plant parts produced from plants protected by United States plant patents, which are propagated without the authorization of the patent holder." -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 164 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 15 - PLANT PATENTS -HEAD- Sec. 164. Assistance of Department of Agriculture -STATUTE- The President may by Executive order direct the Secretary of Agriculture, in accordance with the requests of the Director, for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this title with respect to plants (1) to furnish available information of the Department of Agriculture, (2) to conduct through the appropriate bureau or division of the Department research upon special problems, or (3) to detail to the Director officers and employees of the Department. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 804; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 56a (May 23, 1930, ch. 312, Sec. 4, 46 Stat. 376). Language is changed. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106-113. See 1999 Amendment note below. 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, as amended by Pub. L. 107-273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" in two places. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. -TRANS- TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Agriculture, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Agriculture, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1953, Sec. 1, eff. June 4, 1953, 18 F.R. 3219, 67 Stat. 633, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. -End- -CITE- 35 USC CHAPTER 16 - DESIGNS 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 16 - DESIGNS -HEAD- CHAPTER 16 - DESIGNS -MISC1- Sec. 171. Patents for designs. 172. Right of priority. 173. Term of design patent. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 171 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 16 - DESIGNS -HEAD- Sec. 171. Patents for designs -STATUTE- Whoever invents any new, original and ornamental design for an article of manufacture may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title. The provisions of this title relating to patents for inventions shall apply to patents for designs, except as otherwise provided. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 805.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 73 (R.S. 4929, amended (1) May 9, 1902, ch. 783, 32 Stat. 193, (2) Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 450, Sec. 1, 53 Stat. 1212; R.S. 4933). The list of conditions specified in the corresponding section of existing statute is omitted as unnecessary in view of the general inclusion of all conditions applying to other patents. Language is changed. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 172 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 16 - DESIGNS -HEAD- Sec. 172. Right of priority -STATUTE- The right of priority provided for by subsections (a) through (d) of section 119 of this title and the time specified in section 102(d) shall be six months in the case of designs. The right of priority provided for by section 119(e) of this title shall not apply to designs. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 805; Pub. L. 103-465, title V, Sec. 532(c)(2), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4987.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 32, part (R.S. 4887, amended (1) Mar. 3, 1903, ch. 1019, Sec. 1, 32 Stat. 1225, 1226, (2) June 19, 1936, ch. 594, 49 Stat. 1529, (3) Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 450, Sec. 1, 53 Stat. 1212). This provision is taken from R.S. 4887 (see section 119) and made a separate section. AMENDMENTS 1994 - Pub. L. 103-465 substituted "subsections (a) through (d) of section 119" for "section 119" and inserted at end "The right of priority provided for by section 119(e) of this title shall not apply to designs." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 103-465 effective 6 months after Dec. 8, 1994, and applicable to all patent applications filed in the United States on or after that effective date, with provisions relating to earliest filed patent application, see section 534(b)(1), (3) of Pub. L. 103-465, set out as a note under section 154 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 173 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 16 - DESIGNS -HEAD- Sec. 173. Term of design patent -STATUTE- Patents for designs shall be granted for the term of fourteen years from the date of grant. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 805; Pub. L. 97-247, Sec. 16, Aug. 27, 1982, 96 Stat. 321; Pub. L. 103-465, title V, Sec. 532(c)(3), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4987.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 77 (R.S. 4931). Language is changed slightly. AMENDMENTS 1994 - Pub. L. 103-465 inserted "from the date of grant" after "years". 1982 - Pub. L. 97-247 substituted "Patents for designs shall be granted for the term of fourteen years" for "Patents for designs may be granted for the term of three years and six months, or for seven years, or for fourteen years, as the applicant, in his application, elects". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 103-465 effective 6 months after Dec. 8, 1994, and applicable to all patent applications filed in the United States on or after that effective date, with provisions relating to earliest filed patent application, see section 534(b)(1), (3) of Pub. L. 103-465, set out as a note under section 154 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-247 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 17(a) of Pub. L. 97-247, set out as a note under section 41 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC CHAPTER 17 - SECRECY OF CERTAIN INVENTIONS AND FILING APPLICATIONS IN FOREIGN COUNTRY 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 17 - SECRECY OF CERTAIN INVENTIONS AND FILING APPLICATIONS IN FOREIGN COUNTRY -HEAD- CHAPTER 17 - SECRECY OF CERTAIN INVENTIONS AND FILING APPLICATIONS IN FOREIGN COUNTRY -MISC1- Sec. 181. Secrecy of certain inventions and withholding of patent. 182. Abandonment of invention for unauthorized disclosure. 183. Right to compensation. 184. Filing of application in foreign country. 185. Patent barred for filing without license. 186. Penalty. 187. Nonapplicability to certain persons. 188. Rules and regulations, delegation of power. AMENDMENTS 2002 - Pub. L. 107-273, div. C, title III, Sec. 13206(a)(10), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1904, substituted "to" for "of" in item 183. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 181 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 17 - SECRECY OF CERTAIN INVENTIONS AND FILING APPLICATIONS IN FOREIGN COUNTRY -HEAD- Sec. 181. Secrecy of certain inventions and withholding of patent -STATUTE- Whenever publication or disclosure by the publication of an application or by the grant of a patent on an invention in which the Government has a property interest might, in the opinion of the head of the interested Government agency, be detrimental to the national security, the Commissioner of Patents upon being so notified shall order that the invention be kept secret and shall withhold the publication of the application or the grant of a patent therefor under the conditions set forth hereinafter. Whenever the publication or disclosure of an invention by the publication of an application or by the granting of a patent, in which the Government does not have a property interest, might, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Patents, be detrimental to the national security, he shall make the application for patent in which such invention is disclosed available for inspection to the Atomic Energy Commission, the Secretary of Defense, and the chief officer of any other department or agency of the Government designated by the President as a defense agency of the United States. Each individual to whom the application is disclosed shall sign a dated acknowledgment thereof, which acknowledgment shall be entered in the file of the application. If, in the opinion of the Atomic Energy Commission, the Secretary of a Defense Department, or the chief officer of another department or agency so designated, the publication or disclosure of the invention by the publication of an application or by the granting of a patent therefor would be detrimental to the national security, the Atomic Energy Commission, the Secretary of a Defense Department, or such other chief officer shall notify the Commissioner of Patents and the Commissioner of Patents shall order that the invention be kept secret and shall withhold the publication of the application or the grant of a patent for such period as the national interest requires, and notify the applicant thereof. Upon proper showing by the head of the department or agency who caused the secrecy order to be issued that the examination of the application might jeopardize the national interest, the Commissioner of Patents shall thereupon maintain the application in a sealed condition and notify the applicant thereof. The owner of an application which has been placed under a secrecy order shall have a right to appeal from the order to the Secretary of Commerce under rules prescribed by him. An invention shall not be ordered kept secret and the publication of the application or the grant of a patent withheld for a period of more than one year. The Commissioner of Patents shall renew the order at the end thereof, or at the end of any renewal period, for additional periods of one year upon notification by the head of the department or the chief officer of the agency who caused the order to be issued that an affirmative determination has been made that the national interest continues so to require. An order in effect, or issued, during a time when the United States is at war, shall remain in effect for the duration of hostilities and one year following cessation of hostilities. An order in effect, or issued, during a national emergency declared by the President shall remain in effect for the duration of the national emergency and six months thereafter. The Commissioner of Patents may rescind any order upon notification by the heads of the departments and the chief officers of the agencies who caused the order to be issued that the publication or disclosure of the invention is no longer deemed detrimental to the national security. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 805; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Secs. 4507(7), 4732(a)(10)(B)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-566, 1501A-582.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 151 (Feb. 1, 1952, ch. 4, Sec. 1, 66 Stat. 3, 4). Language is changed. AMENDMENTS 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(B)], substituted "Commissioner of Patents" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing. Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(7)(A)], in first par., inserted "by the publication of an application or" after "disclosure" and "the publication of the application or" after "withhold". Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(7)(B)], inserted "by the publication of an application or" after "disclosure of an invention" in second par. Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(7)(C)], in third par., inserted "by the publication of the application or" after "disclosure of the invention" and "the publication of the application or" after "withhold". Pub. L. 106-113, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(7)(D)], inserted "the publication of an application or" after "kept secret and" in first sentence of fourth par. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4507(7)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective Nov. 29, 2000, and applicable only to applications (including international applications designating the United States) filed on or after that date, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4508] of Pub. L. 106-113, as amended, set out as a note under section 10 of this title. Amendment by section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(B)] of Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106-113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. -TRANS- TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS Atomic Energy Commission abolished and functions transferred by sections 5814 and 5841 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. See, also, Transfer of Functions notes set out under those sections. -MISC2- DEFENSE AGENCIES Department of Homeland Security designated as a defense agency of United States for purposes of this chapter by Executive Order No. 13286, Sec. 85, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10632. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 182 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 17 - SECRECY OF CERTAIN INVENTIONS AND FILING APPLICATIONS IN FOREIGN COUNTRY -HEAD- Sec. 182. Abandonment of invention for unauthorized disclosure -STATUTE- The invention disclosed in an application for patent subject to an order made pursuant to section 181 of this title may be held abandoned upon its being established by the Commissioner of Patents that in violation of said order the invention has been published or disclosed or that an application for a patent therefor has been filed in a foreign country by the inventor, his successors, assigns, or legal representatives, or anyone in privity with him or them, without the consent of the Commissioner of Patents. The abandonment shall be held to have occurred as of the time of violation. The consent of the Commissioner of Patents shall not be given without the concurrence of the heads of the departments and the chief officers of the agencies who caused the order to be issued. A holding of abandonment shall constitute forfeiture by the applicant, his successors, assigns, or legal representatives, or anyone in privity with him or them, of all claims against the United States based upon such invention. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 806; Pub. L. 106-113, div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4732(a)(10)(B)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 152 (Feb. 1, 1952, ch. 4, Sec. 2, 66 Stat. 4). Language is changed. AMENDMENTS 1999 - Pub. L. 106-113 substituted "Commissioner of Patents" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 106-113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, Sec. 4731] of Pub. L. 106- 113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 183 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 17 - SECRECY OF CERTAIN INVENTIONS AND FILING APPLICATIONS IN FOREIGN COUNTRY -HEAD- Sec. 183. Right to compensation -STATUTE- An applicant, his successors, assigns, or legal representatives, whose patent is withheld as herein provided, shall have the right, beginning at the date the applicant is notified that, except for such order, his application is otherwise in condition for allowance, or February 1, 1952, whichever is later, and ending six years after a patent is issued thereon, to apply to the head of any department or agency who caused the order to be issued for compensation for the damage caused by the order of secrecy and/or for the use of the invention by the Government, resulting from his disclosure. The right to compensation for use shall begin on the date of the first use of the invention by the Government. The head of the department or agency is authorized, upon the presentation of a claim, to enter into an agreement with the applicant, his successors, assigns, or legal representatives, in full settlement for the damage and/or use. This settlement agreement shall be conclusive for all purposes notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary. If full settlement of the claim cannot be effected, the head of the department or agency may award and pay to such applicant, his successors, assigns, or legal representatives, a sum not exceeding 75 per centum of the sum which the head of the department or agency considers just compensation for the damage and/or use. A claimant may bring suit against the United States in the United States Court of Federal Claims or in the District Court of the United States for the district in which such claimant is a resident for an amount which when added to the award shall constitute just compensation for the damage and/or use of the invention by the Government. The owner of any patent issued upon an application that was subject to a secrecy order issued pursuant to section 181 of this title, who did not apply for compensation as above provided, shall have the right, after the date of issuance of such patent, to bring suit in the United States Court of Federal Claims for just compensation for the damage caused by reason of the order of secrecy and/or use by the Government of the invention resulting from his disclosure. The right to compensation for use shall begin on the date of the first use of the invention by the Government. In a suit under the provisions of this section the United States may avail itself of all defenses it may plead in an action under section 1498 of title 28. This section shall not confer a right of action on anyone or his successors, assigns, or legal representatives who, while in the full-time employment or service of the United States, discovered, invented, or developed the invention on which the claim is based. -SOURCE- (July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 806; Pub. L. 97-164, title I, Sec. 160(a)(12), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 48; Pub. L. 102-572, title IX, Sec. 902(b)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 153 (Feb. 1, 1952, ch. 4, Sec. 3, 66 Stat. 4, 5). Language is changed. AMENDMENTS 1992 - Pub. L. 102-572 substituted "United States Court of Federal Claims" for "United States Claims Court" in two places. 1982 - Pub. L. 97-164 substituted "United States Claims Court" for "Court of Claims" in two places. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1992 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 102-572 effective Oct. 29, 1992, see section 911 of Pub. L. 102-572, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 97-164 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97-164, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. -End- -CITE- 35 USC Sec. 184 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 35 - PATENTS PART II - PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS CHAPTER 17 - SECRECY OF CERTAIN INVENTIONS AND FILING APPLICATIONS IN FOREIGN COUNTRY -HEAD- Sec. 184. Filing of application in foreign country -STATUTE- Except when authorized by a license obtained from the Commissioner of Patents a person shall not file or cause or authorize to be filed in any foreign country prior to six months after filing in the United States an application for patent or for the registration of a utility model, industrial design, or model in respect of an invention made in this country. A license shall not be granted with respect to an invention subject to an order issued by the Commissioner of Patents pursuant to section 181 of this title without the concurrence of the head of the departments and the chief officers of the agencies who caused the order to be issued. The license may be granted retroactively where an application has been filed abroad through error and without deceptive intent and the application does not disclose an invention within the scope of section 181 of this title. The term "application" when used in this chapter includes applications and any modifications, amendments, or supplements thereto, or divisions thereof. The scope of a license shall permit subsequent modifications, amendments, and supplements containing additional subject matter if the application upon which the request for the license is based is not, or was not, required to be made available for inspection under section 181 of this title and if such modifications, amendments, and supplements do not change the general nature of the invention in a manner which would require such application to be made available for inspection under such section 181. In any case in which a license is not, or was not, required in order to file an application in any foreign country, such subsequent modifications, amendments, and supplements may be made, without a license, to the application filed in the foreign country if the Uni