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41.9 (pre‑AIA) Action by owner.

[Editor Note: Para. (a) below is not applicable to patent applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) or 363 on or after Sept. 16, 2012 *]

  • (a) Entire interest. An owner of the entire interest in an application or patent involved in a Board proceeding may act in the proceeding to the exclusion of the inventor (see 3.73(b) of this title).
  • (b) Part interest. An owner of a part interest in an application or patent involved in a Board proceeding may petition to act in the proceeding to the exclusion of an inventor or a co-owner. The petition must show the inability or refusal of an inventor or co-owner to prosecute the proceeding or other cause why it is in the interest of justice to permit the owner of a part interest to act in the proceeding. An order granting the petition may set conditions on the actions of the parties during the proceeding.

[Added, 69 FR 49959, Aug. 12, 2004, effective Sept. 13, 2004]

[ *See § 41.9 for more information and for § 41.9(a) applicable to patent applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) or 363 on or after Sept. 16, 2012]