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Simple English definitions for legal terms
statutory double-patenting rejection
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A quick definition of statutory double-patenting rejection:
A statutory double-patenting rejection is when someone tries to get a patent for something that's already been patented by them before. This means they can't get another patent for the same thing. It's like trying to get two stickers for the same picture - you can only have one!A more thorough explanation:
A statutory double-patenting rejection is a finding by a patent examiner that a patent application is unpatentable because it covers the same invention as an already-patented invention by the same inventor. This type of rejection is based on 35 USCA § 101.
For example, if an inventor applies for a patent on a new type of phone charger, but they already have a patent on a similar phone charger, the patent examiner may issue a statutory double-patenting rejection.
This type of rejection is meant to prevent inventors from obtaining multiple patents on the same invention, which would give them an unfair advantage over competitors and stifle innovation.