Patent Terms Glossary

Benefit Claim

Definition:
The claiming by an applicant in a nonprovisional application of a benefit of an invention disclosed in a prior-filed copending provisional or nonprovisional application designating.

Non-final Office Action (rejection)

Definition:
An Office action letter that raises new issues and usually is the first phase of the examination process. An examining attorney will issue a non-final Office action after reviewing the application for the first time.

Novel

Definition:
A patent must be new or original. That is, the invention must never have been made in public in any way, anywhere, before the date on which the application for a patent is filed.

PAC

Definition:
Patent Assistance Center (prior), now the Inventors Assistance Center or IAC.

Combination Patent

Definition:
A patent granted for an invention that unites existing components in a novel way.

Examination Copy

Definition:
A copy of an international application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty maintained by the International Preliminary Examining Authority.

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