Quick Tips on Patent Reform

The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (H.R. 1249), signed into law on September 16, 2011 by President Obama, includes many revisions to a variety of patent law concepts, including, among others, the much-discussed change to a "first-to-file" regime. The Act is expected to impact strategy for virtually every entity touched by the U.S. patent system in very real ways.

The approved changes will require a significant administrative rule-making process, and the provisions take effect in stages between September 16, 2011, and September 16, 2014.

Visit this page often for helpful resources and information, or subscribe here for updates. As always, please feel free to contact our team regarding specific questions relating to the impact or implementation of AIA, or any other intellectual property matters.

Patent Reform Resources

USPTO - Leahy-Smith America Invents Act Update Page

AIPLA - America Invents Act Legislative Advocacy

US House of Representatives - H.R. 1249 Bill Information

• One page summary
• Bill text

USPTO Proposed Rules and Changes

Inter Partes Review Proceedings (Feb. 10, 2012)

Post Grant Review Proceedings (Feb. 10, 2012)

Transitional Program for Covered Business Methods (Feb. 10, 2012)

Technological Invention Definition (Feb. 10, 2012)

Derivation Proceedings (Feb. 10, 2012)

Trials before the Patent Trials and Appeals Board (PTAB) (Feb. 9, 2012)

Proposed Trial Practice Guide (Feb. 9, 2012)

Proposed Patent Fee Changes (Feb. 7, 2012)

Proposed Patent Fee Schedule (Jan. 30, 2012)

Supplemental Examination and to Revise Reexamination Fees (Jan. 25. 2012)

Genetic Diagnostic Testing (Jan. 25, 2012)

Prior User Rights Defense Study (Jan. 17, 2012)

International Patent Protection for Small Business Study (Jan. 17, 2012)

Inventor Oath or Declaration Provisions of AIA (Jan. 6, 2012)

Third Party Submission of Prior Art for Patent Applications (Jan. 5, 2012)

Citation of Prior Art in a Patent File (Jan. 5, 2012)

Statute of Limitations for Disciplinary Proceedings (Jan. 5, 2012)

Prioritized Examination for RCE (Dec. 19, 2011)

Additional Satellite Offices (Nov. 29, 2011)

Final Rule Regarding Inter Partes Reexamination Threshold Transition (Sept. 23, 2011)

Tax Strategies Being Deemed to be Within the Prior Art (Sept. 20, 2011)

Requirement for Disclosure of Best Mode (Sept. 20, 2011)

Claims Directed to Human Organisms (Sept. 20, 2011)

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