Leahy-Smith America Invents Act Implementation
MESSAGE FROM JANET GONGOLA, PATENT REFORM COORDINATOR: USPTO Reopens the First-Inventor-to-File Comment Period
On July 26, 2012, the USPTO published a notice of proposed rulemaking and a notice of proposed examination guidelines to implement the first-inventor-to-file (FITF) provisions of the AIA. The notices set a comment deadline date of October 5, 2012. The USPTO has received several requests for additional time to submit comments. Therefore, the USPTO is reopening the comment period to provide interested members of the public with an additional opportunity to submit comments to the USPTO.
The new deadline for receipt of written comments in response to both the notice of proposed rulemaking and the notice of proposed examination guidelines to implement the first-inventor-to-file provisions of the AIA is November 5, 2012.
MESSAGE FROM JANET GONGOLA, PATENT REFORM COORDINATOR: USPTO Concludes Roadshows and Releases Roadshow Videos
The USPTO has concluded its AIA roadshows for September 2012. Thanks to all who attended and supported our outreach during the one-year anniversary month!
We enjoyed stops in Atlanta, Alexandria, Va., Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and New York City. A total of more than 1000 stakeholders from the independent inventor, private practitioner, and in-house counsel communities joined us for good dialogue and questions about the provisions and final rules that became effective on September 16, 2012. Highlights of our activities in each city are available here:
For stakeholders who were not able to attend a roadshow in-person or via webinar, we are releasing a video of the program with segments recorded in Alexandria, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles. You may view the full day or access individual topics:
- Opening Remarks
- Final Rules for Inventor’s Oath/Declaration, Pre-issuance Submission, Miscellaneous Post Patent Provisions, and Supplemental Examination
- Umbrella Final Rules and Specific Final Rules for Post Grant Review, InterPartes
- Review, and Covered Business Method Review
- Proposed Rules for Fees
- Proposed Rules for First-Inventor-to-File
In addition to these video links, the agency has published the roadshow slides as well as a very detailed reference guide to provide even more information about the newly-effective AIA provisions and final rules:
- Roadshow Slides
- Reference Guide to Statutory Provisions and Final Rules Effective on September 16, 2012
Lastly, don't forget to use the AIA telephone hotline and email for future AIA-related questions:
- 1-855-HELPAIA (1-855-435-7242)
- HELPAIA@uspto.gov
