Release point 118-151 · current through 12/17/2024
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§ 372.
National stage: Requirements and procedure
(a)
All questions of substance and, within the scope of the requirements of the treaty and Regulations, procedure in an international application designating the United States shall be determined as in the case of national applications regularly filed in the Patent and Trademark Office.
(b)
In case of international applications designating but not originating in, the United States—
(1)
the Director may cause to be reexamined questions relating to form and contents of the application in accordance with the requirements of the treaty and the Regulations;
(2)
the Director may cause the question of unity of invention to be reexamined under section 121, within the scope of the requirements of the treaty and the Regulations; and
(3)
the Director may require a verification of the translation of the international application or any other document pertaining to the application if the application or other document was filed in a language other than English.
Source(Added Pub. L. 94–131, § 1,
Nov. 14, 1975
, 89 Stat. 689; amended Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §§ 402(e), (f), 403(a),
2011—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 112–29 struck out “of this title” after “121”.
2002—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106–113. See 1999 Amendment note below.
1999—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106–113, as amended by Pub. L. 107–273, substituted “Director” for “Commissioner” wherever appearing.
1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–622, § 403(a), substituted “Patent and Trademark Office” for “Patent Office”.
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 98–622, § 402(e), added par. (3).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–622, § 402(f), struck out subsec. (c) which related to cancellation of claims and payment of special fees.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2011 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 112–29 effective upon the expiration of the 1-year period beginning on
Sept. 16, 2011
, and applicable to proceedings commenced on or after that effective date, see section 20(l) of Pub. L. 112–29, set out as a note under section 2 of this title.
, and applicable to international and national applications filed, on and after that date, see section 11 of Pub. L. 94–131, set out as a note under section 351 of this title.