2310 Derivation Proceedings [R-08.2017]
A derivation proceeding is a trial proceeding under 35 U.S.C. 135 conducted at the Board to determine whether (i) an inventor named in an earlier application derived the claimed invention from an inventor named in the petitioner’s application, and (ii) the earlier application claiming such invention was filed without authorization. Derivation proceedings are only applicable to applications for patent, and any patent issuing thereon that are subject to first-inventor-to-file provisions of the America Invents Act (AIA). An applicant subject to the first-inventor-to-file provisions may file a petition to institute a derivation proceeding with the Board.
2310.01 Statutory Basis [R-08.2017]
35 U.S.C. 135 Derivation Proceedings.
- (a) INSTITUTION OF PROCEEDING.—
- (1) IN GENERAL.— An applicant for patent may file a petition with respect to an invention to institute a derivation proceeding in the Office. The petition shall set forth with particularity the basis for finding that an individual named in an earlier application as the inventor or a joint inventor derived such invention from an individual named in the petitioner’s application as the inventor or a joint inventor and, without authorization, the earlier application claiming such invention was filed. Whenever the Director determines that a petition filed under this subsection demonstrates that the standards for instituting a derivation proceeding are met, the Director may institute a derivation proceeding.
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- (b) DETERMINATION BY PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD.— In a derivation proceeding instituted under subsection (a), the Patent Trial and Appeal Board shall determine whether an inventor named in the earlier application derived the claimed invention from an inventor named in the petitioner’s application and, without authorization, the earlier application claiming such invention was filed. In appropriate circumstances, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board may correct the naming of the inventor in any application or patent at issue. The Director shall prescribe regulations setting forth standards for the conduct of derivation proceedings, including requiring parties to provide sufficient evidence to prove and rebut a claim of derivation.
2310.02 Definitions [R-08.2017]
37 CFR 42.2 Definitions.
The following definitions apply to this part:
Affidavit means affidavit or declaration under § 1.68 of this chapter. A transcript of an ex parte deposition or a declaration under 28 U.S.C. 1746 may be used as an affidavit.
Board means the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Board means a panel of the Board, or a member or employee acting with the authority of the Board, including:
(1) For petition decisions and interlocutory decisions, a Board member or employee acting with the authority of the Board.
(2) For final written decisions under 35 U.S.C. 135(d), 318(a), and 328(a), a panel of the Board.
Business day means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday within the District of Columbia.
Confidential information means trade secret or other confidential research, development, or commercial information.
Final means final for the purpose of judicial review to the extent available. A decision is final only if it disposes of all necessary issues with regard to the party seeking judicial review, and does not indicate that further action is required.
Hearing means consideration of the trial.
Involved means an application, patent, or claim that is the subject of the proceeding.
Judgment means a final written decision by the Board, or a termination of a proceeding.
Motion means a request for relief other than by petition.
Office means the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Panel means at least three members of the Board.
Party means at least the petitioner and the patent owner and, in a derivation proceeding, any applicant or assignee of the involved application.
Petition is a request that a trial be instituted.
Petitioner means the party filing a petition requesting that a trial be instituted.
Preliminary Proceeding begins with the filing of a petition for instituting a trial and ends with a written decision as to whether a trial will be instituted.
Proceeding means a trial or preliminary proceeding.
Rehearing means reconsideration.
Trial means a contested case instituted by the Board based upon a petition. A trial begins with a written decision notifying the petitioner and patent owner of the institution of the trial. The term trial specifically includes a derivation proceeding under 35 U.S.C. 135; an inter partes review under Chapter 31 of title 35, United States Code; a post-grant review under Chapter 32 of title 35,United States Code; and a transitional business-method review under section 18 of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. Patent interferences are administered under part 41 and not under part 42 of this title, and therefore are not trials.
