America Invents Act: Improving the US Patent System
On Friday 16th September, President Obama signed the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (The AIA or Patent Reform Act of 2011) which brings new legislation to the American patenting system in order to improve current processes. The changes have been proposed for some time and, having been finalised just days ago, it is believed that the modifications to the system are the most significant since 1952. (Goldman, David (June 24, 2011). “Patent reform is finally on its way”. CNNMoney.com. Retrieved August 16, 2011.)
Although none of these changes will affect UK filing, they are relevant for those looking to extend their UK applications into the US or the PCT (Patent Corporation Treaty): an international unitary filing system that allows an applicant to file in all 142 countries who subscribe, including the US.