Innovation & intellectual property · 15/08/1995

Changes to Implement 18-Month Publication of Patent Applications

The Patent and Trademark Office (Office) is proposing to amend the rules of practice in patent cases primarily to implement changes related to the 18-month publication of patent applications in title 35, United States Code, contained in the Patent Application Publication Act of 1995 (H.R. 1733). Among the changes that are contained in H.R. 1733 would be the publication of patent applications after 18 months from the earliest filing date for which a benefit is sought, and the addition of provisional rights to the rights provided in a patent. These changes would apply to utility and plant applications other than provisional applications, but not to design applications.