A reissue patent is a type of patent granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) to amend significant errors found in an existing patent. This process allows the original patent holder to correct issues without altering the duration of the patent. Reissue patents can be applicable to utility, design, or plant patents. Only the patent holder is eligible to file for a reissue.
Reissue patents are primarily used in patent law to rectify significant mistakes in previously issued patents. This can involve correcting claims that are either too broad or too narrow, inaccuracies in disclosures, or failures to claim foreign priority. Legal professionals often assist clients in navigating the reissue application process, which may involve specific forms and procedures. Users can also utilize legal templates from US Legal Forms to facilitate this process.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A patent holder realizes that their patent claims are too narrow, limiting the protection of their invention. They file a reissue application to broaden these claims within the two-year window.
Example 2: A patent is issued with an incorrect specification that misrepresents the invention. The patent holder files for a reissue to correct this inaccuracy. (hypothetical example)
If you believe your patent contains significant errors, consider filing a reissue application promptly, especially if you wish to broaden your claims. You can explore ready-to-use legal form templates from US Legal Forms to assist with your application. If the process seems complex, seeking professional legal advice may be beneficial to ensure accuracy and compliance with patent laws.
Significant errors such as incorrect claims, inaccuracies in specifications, or failure to claim foreign priority can lead to a reissue.
