Understanding Information Disclosure Statement [IDS]: A Comprehensive Guide

Definition & Meaning

An Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) is a formal document submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) by applicants of a patent application. This document includes a comprehensive list of all relevant patents, publications, and other information that may affect the patentability of the claimed invention. The purpose of the IDS is to fulfill the applicant's obligation to disclose any pertinent information that could influence the examination of their patent application.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

(Hypothetical example) An inventor develops a new type of solar panel and files a non-provisional patent application. During the application process, they discover a prior patent that describes a similar technology. To comply with their legal duty, the inventor submits an IDS that includes this prior patent, ensuring that the USPTO is aware of all relevant information.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are preparing to file a patent application, ensure that you gather all relevant information that may affect your invention's patentability. Use the appropriate forms provided by the USPTO to submit your IDS. For assistance, consider utilizing legal form templates from US Legal Forms to streamline the process. If your situation is complex, consulting with a legal professional may be beneficial.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Document Type Information Disclosure Statement (IDS)
Applicable Law 35 USCS § 111(a)
Required By Patent applicants and involved individuals
Forms Used PTO/SB/08a, PTO/SB/08b

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

The purpose of an IDS is to disclose all relevant information that may affect the patentability of an invention to the USPTO.