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:
“The truth is, the whole administration under Roosevelt was demoralized by the system of dealing directly with subordinates. It was obviated in the State Department and the War Department under [Secretary of State Elihu] Root and me [Taft was the Secretary of War], because we simply ignored the interference and went on as we chose.... The subordinates gained nothing by his assumption of authority, but it was not so in the other departments.”
—William Howard Taft (1857–1930)
“In proceeding to the dining-room, the gentleman gives one arm to the lady he escorts—it is unusual to offer both.”
—Lewis Carroll [Charles Lutwidge Dodgson] (1832–1898)