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Biotech patents and the inequitable conduct doctrine

Nothing in US patent law has a more drastic effect on an inventor's patent than a finding of inequitable conduct, so understanding the principles of the doctrine can be valuable in saving your patent from being found unenforceable.

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References

  1. 37 CFR §1.56 (1977).

  2. 42 Fed. Reg. 5589 (Jan. 28, 1977).

  3. 725 F.2d 1350, 1362–1363 (Fed. Cir. 1984).

  4. 57 Fed. Reg. 2021 (1992).

  5. 437 F.3d 1309 (Fed. Cir. 2006).

  6. 120 F.3d 1253 (Fed. Cir. 1997).

  7. 329 F.3d 1358 (Fed. Cir. 2003).

  8. 323 F.3d 1354 (Fed. Cir. 2003).

  9. 319 F.Supp. 2d 1011 (N.D. Cal. 2004).

  10. 437 F.3d 1181 (Fed. Cir. 2006).

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Author notes

  1. Anthony Michael: patent attorney based in New York.

    • Anthony Michael
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Michael, A. Biotech patents and the inequitable conduct doctrine. Nat Biotechnol 24, 1219–1221 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1006-1219

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1006-1219

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