USPTO Publishes Extensive Examination Guidelines for 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103

On February 14, 2013, the PTO published extensive Examination Guidelines for examination of applications filed after March 16, 2013, under 102 and 103 as amended by the AIA. Given the debates, if not confusion, that arose following the publication of the proposed rules with public comments regarding certain provisions of 102, these guidelines should provide some clarity as we prepare to go “out of the gate” after March 16^th. Pay particular attention to the last section, which discusses “transition applications.” Happy Valentine’s Day!

Examination Guidelines