Navigating the numerous changes under the America Invents Act (AIA) can be challenging. One of the most significant changes — the adoption to a first to file system — requires companies to more carefully consider the timing of patent applications.

To take full advantage of the new regime, companies should be prepared to file “early and often.”

Under the AIA, a patent application will be denied based on prior art if “the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.” The provision expands the activities and publications that are considered to be “prior art” to patent applications.
Nonetheless, there are several key exceptions. For instance, if the inventor or another who obtained the subject matter from the inventor makes the disclosure, it is not considered prior art. In addition, disclosures made by a third party for subject matter that had been previously publicly disclosed by the inventor also fall under the exception. To qualify under the one-year grace period, these disclosures must be made within one year prior to filing a patent application.
In light of the changes, it is advantageous to file a provisional patent application as soon as practically possible. These patent applications are relatively low cost and require far less documentation that a standard, non-provisional patent application.

After the initial filing, inventors should file additional provisional patent applications that reflect improvements to the invention in the form of additional patentable subject matter. So long as a non-provisional patent application is filed within one year, the disclosures can be combined into a single filing.

Filing early and often is the best way to prevent headaches down the road, including subsequent and intervening disclosures.

How Can I Help?

If you, or someone you know, need any help with Intellectual Property issues, from filing a patent, trademark or copyright, or just need advice regarding how best to protect your inventions, ideas or your brand, please contact me for a free 30 minute consultation at nvantreeck@usip.com or call TOLL FREE at 1-855-UR IDEAS (1-855-874-3327) and ask for Norman.

– Ex astris, scientia –

I am and avid amateur astronomer and intellectual property attorney in Pasadena, California and I am a Rising Star as rated by Super Lawyers Magazine.  As a former Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, I am a proud member of the Armed Service Committee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association working to aid all active duty and veterans in our communities. Connect with me on Google +

Norman