An interference proceeding, also known as a priority contest, is an inter partes proceeding to determine the priority issues of multiple patent applications. It is a unique procedure in the patent law of the United States. Unlike in most other countries which have a first-to-file system, the first-to-invent system of the U.S. allow a party which has failed to file a patent application on time to challenge the inventorship of another party which has a granted or pending patent, if certain requirements are met.
Interference proceedings will no longer be available for applications filed on or after March 16, 2013, and will be replaced by "Derivation Proceedings."
Read more about Interference Proceeding: Definition, Parties, Presumptions, Leahy-Smith America Invents Act
Famous quotes containing the words interference and/or proceeding:
“Now for civil service reform. Legislation must be prepared and executive rules and maxims. We must limit and narrow the area of patronage. We must diminish the evils of office-seeking. We must stop interference of federal officers with elections. We must be relieved of congressional dictation as to appointments.”
—Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)
“The last proceeding of reason is to recognize that there is an infinity of things which are beyond it.... There is nothing so conformable to reason as this disavowal of reason.”
—Blaise Pascal (1623–1662)