35 U.S.C. 118, Filing by other than inventor
Executive summary:
Potential for Errors: This document contains one section of the U.S. Patent Act (found in Title 35 of the United States Code) as amended by the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. This page was last updated in November 2011. While the page has been edited to help ensure that the changes made by the AIA to this section are reflected in this document, errors are possible. If you notice such errors, please contact Dan Tysver at (dtysver@bitlaw.com).
Alternate Views: This page uses stylesheets to allow different views of this statutory section. By clicking on the buttons below, one can view this section in a redline version reflecting the changes made by the AIA, a clean version showing the section after the AIA, or an original version showing the original section before the AIA. There is an index page and an all-sections page for this version of 35 USC.
Effective Date: Various sections of the AIA are implemented using different effective dates. If changes have been made to this section of the Patent Act, the effective date(s) for those changes are found in the implementing section of the AIA, and are reproduced below for your convenience.
Redline Clean Version (after America Invents Act) Original (before AIA)
Previous Section (§117) | Next Section (§119)
35 U.S.C. 118 Filing by other than inventor.
A person to whom the inventor has assigned or is under an obligation to assign the invention may make an application for patent. A person who otherwise shows sufficient proprietary interest in the matter may make an application for patent on behalf of and as agent for the inventor on proof of the pertinent facts and a showing that such action is appropriate to preserve the rights of the parties. If the Director grants a patent on an application filed under this section by a person other than the inventor, the patent shall be granted to the real party in interest and upon such notice to the inventor as the Director considers to be sufficient.
Whenever an inventor refuses to execute an application for patent, or cannot be found or reached after diligent effort, a person to whom the inventor has assigned or agreed in writing to assign the invention or who otherwise shows sufficient proprietary interest in the matter justifying such action, may make application for patent on behalf of and as agent for the inventor on proof of the pertinent facts and a showing that such action is necessary to preserve the rights of the parties or to prevent irreparable damage; and the Director may grant a patent to such inventor upon such notice to him as the Director deems sufficient, and on compliance with such regulations as he prescribes.
Effective Dates for Changes Made to this Section
INVENTOR'S OATH OR DECLARATION
Section 4 of the America Invents Act
(e) EFFECTIVE DATE.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect upon the expiration of the 1–year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to any patent application that is filed on or after that effective date.