expired PPA...Whats next ???

What happens when your PPA expires ?? Can you still file for a Utility Patent ??

I sent the question to a friend of mine at the USPTO. I will post the email response I get from her as soon as it comes in. Hopefully tomorrow morning I will hear something . In the mean time maybe someone more qualified can help ya out!!

There are so many changes going on at the USPTO, what I thought I knew, I don't think I know anymore lol

Thanks !!!

If I filed a PPA and it expired, can I re-send it and receive a new filing date?

Expert 40: As long as you have not made a public disclosure more than one year prior to the filing date, you can resend it and receive a new filing date.


Ali, my friend is out on vacation this week.....but above was the response I got on the USPTO site. I copied and pasted the above info for you. Hopefully Roger, or someone a more qualified will come along and explain what they mean a little better.

The forum Moderator will check with Adli or Tran and get an answer to this - great question!

Thank You Mark & Lesia. I am looking forward to the answer.

Did Aldi ever get to you Mark ?

With all the new patent law changes, I am extremely confused. I am wondering if someone could tell me what happens if you let your PPA expire??

Are there any options available once your PPA has expired??

I, just like Ali have one that is about to expire, and cannot seem to make contact with the person I use to know with the USPTO, and I cannot seem to find the information we are needing.

Thanks!!

Hi Ready2Invent
You still can file a utility patent application once the PPA has expired, you just can't get the priority that the PPA entitled you to, so it is not ideal, but you still can get a patent. I recommend that you file the utility application as soon as you can.
If you have questions, please call me.
Bao Tran
Patent Attorney
408-528-7490 bao@tranassoc.com

Thank you Tran!! I really appreciate the feedback and we may just give you a call to find out other options available.

Thanks!

Thank You Tran !!!!!

If you have made modifications to your original design that was on the PPA can you apply for another PPA with your new design ? Or do you need to file a utility with the new design ?

Ali

Hi Ali
You have 1yr to convert PPA to utility, so if you are close to the utility filing deadline, you can include the additions to the utility application to avoid the cost of another PPA.
If you have questions, you can call me at 408-528-7490
Best regards
Bao Tran