This section enacts as law existing practice with respect to division, at the same time introducing a number of changes. Division is made discretionary with the Commissioner. The requirements of section
120 are made applicable and neither of the resulting patents can be held invalid over the other merely because of their being divided in several patents. In some cases a divisional application may be filed by the assignee.
2002—
Pub. L. 107–273 made technical correction to directory language of
Pub. L. 106–113. See 1999 Amendment note below.
1999—
Pub. L. 106–113, as amended by
Pub. L. 107–273, substituted “Director” for “Commissioner” wherever appearing.
1975—
Pub. L. 93–596 substituted “Patent and Trademark Office” for “Patent Office”.
Amendment by
Pub. L. 106–113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section
1000
(a)(9) [title IV, § 4731] of
Pub. L. 106–113, set out as a note under section
1 of this title.
Amendment by
Pub. L. 93–596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of
Pub. L. 93–596, set out as a note under section
1111 of Title
15, Commerce and Trade.