Define: Effective Filing Date

Effective Filing Date
Effective Filing Date
Quick Summary of Effective Filing Date

The effective filing date is the date on which a patent application is deemed to have been submitted. This date is significant as it establishes the invention’s priority and prevents prior art from being considered. It also determines the timeframe for filing in other countries and establishes the date of constructive reduction to practice. The child application typically inherits the filing date of the parent application to demonstrate priority under the continuity doctrine.

Full Definition Of Effective Filing Date

The effective filing date of a patent application is crucial as it determines the invention’s priority and the ability to file in other countries. It also marks the closing of prior art and establishes the date of constructive reduction to practice. For instance, if an inventor files a patent application on January 1, 2021, that becomes the effective filing date, allowing them to claim priority over similar inventions filed after that date, even if the application is approved later. In the case of a continuing application, the effective filing date may match the parent filing date, meaning the priority is based on the original application. These examples highlight the significance of the effective filing date in determining invention priority and international filing eligibility, as well as its potential alignment with the parent filing date in continuing applications.

Effective Filing Date FAQ'S

An effective filing date is the date on which a patent application is filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

The effective filing date determines the priority of a patent application and can affect the scope of the patent protection granted.

No, the effective filing date cannot be changed once the application has been filed.

The effective filing date of the non-provisional application will be the date on which the provisional application was filed.

Yes, if a foreign patent application was filed within 12 months of the US application, the US application can claim priority to the foreign application.

The priority date is the date on which an earlier application was filed, while the effective filing date is the date on which the current application was filed.

No, a continuation application cannot extend the effective filing date of the original application.

The effective filing date of the earlier application will take priority, and your application may be rejected or limited in scope.

No, an effective filing date is required for a patent application to be considered.

It is important to file a complete and accurate application with the USPTO, and to seek the advice of a qualified patent attorney or agent.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

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