#aac? ,,congress  #a/ ,session  ,h4 ,r4 
#ccji  ,,an ,,act  ,to am5d title #ce1  
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 & ! ,leahy-,smi?   
,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act to make improvem5ts
 & te*nical corrections1 & = o!r        
purposes4  #a4 ,%ort title2 table (     
cont5ts  7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may  
be cit$ z ! ,innovation ,act4  7b7      
,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts =   
?is ,act is z foll[s3  ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort  
title2 table ( cont5ts4 ,sec4 #b4       
,def9itions4 ,sec4 #c4 ,pat5t infr+em5t 
actions4 ,sec4 #d4 ,transp>5cy ( pat5t  
own]%ip4 ,sec4 #e4 ,cu/om]-suit         
exception4 ,sec4 #f4 ,proc$ures &       
practices to implem5t recomm5dations ( !
 ,judicial ,conf]5ce4 ,sec4 #g4 ,small  
bus9ess education1 outrea*1 & in=mation 
access4 ,sec4 #h4 ,/udies on pat5t      
transactions1 quality1 & exam9ation4    
,sec4 #i4 ,improvem5ts & te*nical       
corrections to ! ,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica   
,inv5ts ,act4 ,sec4 #aj4 ,effective     
date4  #b4 ,def9itions ,9 ?is ,act3     
7#a7 ,director ,! t]m ,director means ! 

,"u ,secret>y ( ,comm]ce = ,intellectual
 ,prop]ty & ,director ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates 
,pat5t & ,tradem>k ,(fice4  7#b7 ,(fice 
,! t]m ,(fice means ! ,unit$ ,/ates     
,pat5t & ,tradem>k ,(fice4  #c4 ,pat5t  
infr+em5t actions  7a7 ,plead+          
requirem5ts  7#a7 ,am5dm5t ,*apt] #bi ( 
title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$
 by ins]t+ aft] section #bha ! foll[+3  
#bha;,a4 ,plead+ requirem5ts = pat5t    
infr+em5t actions  7a7 ,plead+          
requirem5ts ,except z provid$ 9         
subsection 7b71 9 a civil action 9 :i* a
 p>ty ass]ts a claim = relief aris+ "u  
any ,act ( ,congress relat+ to pat5ts1 a
 p>ty alleg+ infr+em5t %all include 9 ! 
initial compla9t1 c\nt]claim1 or        
cross-claim = pat5t infr+em5t1 unless ! 
in=mation is n reasonably accessible to 
su* p>ty1 ! foll[+3  7#a7 ,an           
id5tification ( ea* pat5t alleg$ly      
infr+$4  7#b7 ,an id5tification ( ea*   
claim ( ea* pat5t id5tifi$ "u p>agraph  
7#a7 t is alleg$ly infr+$4  7#c7 ,= ea* 
claim id5tifi$ "u p>agraph 7#b71 an     

id5tification ( ea* accus$ process1     
ma*9e1 manufacture1 or composition (    
matt] 7ref]r$ to 9 ?is section z an     
accus$ in/rum5tality7 alleg$ to infr+e !
 claim4  7#d7 ,= ea* accus$             
in/rum5tality id5tifi$ "u p>agraph 7#c71
 an id5tification ) p>ticul>ity1 if     
kn[n1 (--  7,a7 ! "n or model numb] (   
ea* accus$ in/rum5tality2 or  7,b7 if   
!re is no "n or model numb]1 a          
description ( ea* accus$ in/rum5tality4 
7#e7 ,= ea* accus$ in/rum5tality        
id5tifi$ "u p>agraph 7#c71 a cle> &     
concise /atem5t (--  7,a7 :]e ea* elem5t
 ( ea* claim id5tifi$ "u p>agraph 7#b7  
is f\nd )9 ! accus$ in/rum5tality2 &    
7,b7 ) detail$ specificity1 h[ ea*      
limitation ( ea* claim id5tifi$ "u      
p>agraph 7#b7 is met by ! accus$        
in/rum5tality4  7#f7 ,= ea* claim (     
indirect infr+em5t1 a description ( !   
acts ( ! alleg$ indirect infr+] t       
contribute to or are induc+ ! direct    
infr+em5t4  7#g7 ,a description ( !     
au?ority ( ! p>ty alleg+ infr+em5t to   

ass]t ea* pat5t id5tifi$ "u p>agraph    
7#a7 & ( ! gr\nds = ! c\rt's            
jurisdiction4  7#h7 ,a cle> & concise   
description ( ! pr9cipal bus9ess1 if    
any1 ( ! p>ty alleg+ infr+em5t4  7#i7 ,a
 li/ ( ea* compla9t fil$1 ( :i* ! p>ty  
alleg+ infr+em5t has k1 t ass]ts or     
ass]t$ any ( ! pat5ts id5tifi$ "u       
p>agraph 7#a74  7#aj7 ,= ea* pat5t      
id5tifi$ "u p>agraph 7#a71 :e!r a       
/&>d-sett+ body has specifically decl>$ 
su* pat5t to be ess5tial1 pot5tially    
ess5tial1 or hav+ pot5tial to become    
ess5tial to t /&>d-sett+ body1 & :e!r ! 
,unit$ ,/ates ,gov]nm5t or a =eign      
gov]nm5t has impos$ specific lic5s+     
requirem5ts ) respect to su* pat5t4  7b7
 ,in=mation n readily accessible ,if    
in=mation requir$ to be disclos$ "u     
subsection 7a7 is n readily accessible  
to a p>ty1 t in=mation may in/ead be    
g5]ally describ$1 along ) an explanation
 ( :y su* undisclos$ in=mation 0 n      
readily accessible1 & ( any ef=ts made  
by su* p>ty to access su* in=mation4    

7c7 ,confid5tial in=mation ,a p>ty      
requir$ to disclose in=mation describ$  
"u subsection 7a7 may file1 "u seal1    
in=mation believ$ to be confid5tial1 ) a
 motion sett+ =? good cause = su* seal+4
 ,if su* motion is d5i$ by ! c\rt1 !    
p>ty may seek to file an am5d$ compla9t4
  7d7 ,exemption ,a civil action t      
includes a claim = relief aris+ "u      
section #bga7;e77#b7 %all n be subject  
to ! requirem5ts ( subsection 7a74  4   
7#b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,! table ( sections
 = *apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates 
,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item   
relat+ to section #bha ! foll[+ new     
item3  #bha;,a4 ,plead+ requirem5ts =   
pat5t infr+em5t actions4  4  7b7 ,fees &
 o!r exp5ses  7#a7 ,am5dm5t ,section    
#bhe ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1  
is am5d$ to read z foll[s3  #bhe4 ,fees 
& o!r exp5ses  7a7 ,aw>d ,! c\rt %all   
aw>d1 to a prevail+ p>ty1 reasonable    
fees & o!r exp5ses incurr$ by t p>ty 9  
connection ) a civil action 9 :i* any   
p>ty ass]ts a claim = relief aris+ "u   

any ,act ( ,congress relat+ to pat5ts1  
unless ! c\rt f9ds t ! position &       
conduct ( ! nonprevail+ p>ty or p>ties 7
 reasonably ju/ifi$ 9 law & fact or t   
special circum/ances 7su* z sev]e       
economic h>d%ip to a nam$ inv5tor7 make 
an aw>d unju/4  7b7 ,c]tification &     
recov]y ,^u motion ( any p>ty to !      
action1 ! c\rt %all require ano!r p>ty  
to ! action to c]tify :e!r or n ! o!r   
p>ty w be able to pay an aw>d ( fees &  
o!r exp5ses if su* an aw>d is made "u   
subsection 7a74 ,if a nonprevail+ p>ty  
is unable to pay an aw>d t is made aga9/
 x "u subsection 7a71 ! c\rt may make a 
p>ty t has be5 jo9$ "u section #bii7;d7 
) respect to su* p>ty liable = !        
unsatisfi$ portion ( ! aw>d4  7c7       
,cov5ant n to sue ,a p>ty to a civil    
action t ass]ts a claim = relief aris+  
"u any ,act ( ,congress relat+ to pat5ts
 aga9/ ano!r p>ty1 & t subsequ5tly      
unilat]ally ext5ds to su* o!r p>ty a    
cov5ant n to sue = infr+em5t ) respect  
to ! pat5t or pat5ts at issue1 %all be  

deem$ to be a nonprevail+ p>ty 7& ! o!r 
p>ty ! prevail+ p>ty7 = purposes ( ?is  
section1 unless ! p>ty ass]t+ su* claim 
w\ld h be5 entitl$1 at ! "t t su*       
cov5ant 0 ext5d$1 to volunt>ily dismiss 
! action or claim )\t a c\rt ord] "u    
,rule #da ( ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil    
,proc$ure4  4  7#b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t &   
am5dm5t  7,a7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,! item   
relat+ to section #bhe ( ! table (      
sections = *apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$
 ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to read z       
foll[s3  #bhe4 ,fees & o!r exp5ses4  4  
7,b7 ,am5dm5t ,section #bgc ( title #ce1
 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ 
subsections 7f7 & 7g74  7#c7 ,effective 
date ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is subsection 
%all take effect on ! date ( ! enactm5t 
( ?is ,act & %all apply to any action = 
:i* a compla9t is fil$ on or aft] ! fir/
 day ( ! #f-mon? p]iod end+ on t        
effective date4  7c7 ,jo9d] ( int]e/$   
p>ties ,section #bii ( title #ce1 ,unit$
 ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end
 ! foll[+ new subsection3  7d7 ,jo9d] ( 

int]e/$ p>ties  7#a7 ,jo9d] ,9 a civil  
action aris+ "u any ,act ( ,congress    
relat+ to pat5ts 9 :i* fees & o!r       
exp5ses h be5 aw>d$ "u section #bhe to a
 prevail+ p>ty def5d+ aga9/ an          
allegation ( infr+em5t ( a pat5t claim1 
& 9 :i* ! nonprevail+ p>ty alleg+       
infr+em5t is unable to pay ! aw>d ( fees
 & o!r exp5ses1 ! c\rt %all grant a     
motion by ! prevail+ p>ty to jo9 an     
int]e/$ p>ty if su* prevail+ p>ty %[s t 
! nonprevail+ p>ty has no sub/antial    
int]e/ 9 ! subject matt] at issue o!r   
?an ass]t+ su* pat5t claim 9 litigation4
  7#b7 ,limitation on jo9d]  7,a7       
,discretion>y d5ial ( motion ,! c\rt may
 d5y a motion to jo9 an int]e/$ p>ty "u 
p>agraph 7#a7 if--  7i7 ! int]e/$ p>ty  
is n subject to s]vice ( process2 or    
7ii7 jo9d] "u p>agraph 7#a7 w\ld deprive
 ! c\rt ( subject matt] jurisdiction or 
make v5ue improp]4  7,b7 ,requir$ d5ial 
( motion ,! c\rt %all d5y a motion to   
jo9 an int]e/$ p>ty "u p>agraph 7#a7    
if--  7i7 ! int]e/$ p>ty did n timely   

receive ! notice requir$ by p>agraph    
7#c72 or  7ii7 )9 #cj days aft] receiv+ 
! notice requir$ by p>agraph 7#c71 !    
int]e/$ p>ty r5\nces1 9 writ+ & ) notice
 to ! c\rt & ! p>ties to ! action1 any  
own]%ip1 "r1 or direct f9ancial int]e/  
7z describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#d77 t ! int]e/$
 p>ty has 9 ! pat5t or pat5ts at issue4 
7#c7 ,notice requirem5t ,an int]e/$ p>ty
 may n be jo9$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 unless x
 has be5 provid$ actual notice1 )9 #cj  
days aft] ! date on :i* x has be5       
id5tifi$ 9 ! initial disclosure provid$ 
"u section #bij7;b71 t x has be5 s      
id5tifi$ & t su* p>ty may !re=e be an   
int]e/$ p>ty subject to jo9d] "u ?is    
subsection4 ,su* notice %all be provid$ 
by ! p>ty :o subsequ5tly moves to jo9 ! 
int]e/$ p>ty "u p>agraph 7#a71 & %all   
include language t--  7,a7 id5tifies !  
action1 ! p>ties !reto1 ! pat5t or      
pat5ts at issue1 & ! plead+ or o!r pap] 
t id5tifi$ ! p>ty "u section #bij7;b72 &
  7,b7 in=ms ! p>ty t x may be jo9$ 9 ! 
action & made subject to pay+ an aw>d ( 

fees & o!r exp5ses "u section #bhe7;b7  
if--  7i7 fees & o!r exp5ses are aw>d$ 9
 ! action aga9/ ! p>ty alleg+ infr+em5t 
( ! pat5t or pat5ts at issue "u section 
#bhe7;a72  7ii7 ! p>ty alleg+ infr+em5t 
is unable to pay ! aw>d ( fees & o!r    
exp5ses2  7iii7 ! p>ty receiv+ notice "u
 ?is p>agraph is det]m9$ by ! c\rt to be
 an int]e/$ p>ty2 &  7iv7 ! p>ty receiv+
 notice "u ?is p>agraph has n1 )9 #cj   
days aft] receiv+ su* notice1 r5\nc$ 9  
writ+1 & ) notice to ! c\rt & ! p>ties  
to ! action1 any own]%ip1 "r1 or direct 
f9ancial int]e/ 7z describ$ 9 p>agraph  
7#d77 t ! int]e/$ p>ty has 9 ! pat5t or 
pat5ts at issue4  7#d7 ,int]e/$ p>ty    
def9$ ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m int]e/$  
p>ty means a p]son1 o!r ?an ! p>ty      
alleg+ infr+em5t1 t--  7,a7 is an       
assignee ( ! pat5t or pat5ts at issue2  
7,b7 has a "r1 includ+ a cont+5t "r1 to 
en=ce or sublic5se ! pat5t or pat5ts at 
issue2 or  7,c7 has a direct f9ancial   
int]e/ 9 ! pat5t or pat5ts at issue1    
includ+ ! "r to any "p ( an aw>d (      

damages or any "p ( lic5s+ rev5ue1      
except t a p]son ) a direct f9ancial    
int]e/ does n include--  7i7 an attorney
 or law firm provid+ legal repres5tation
 9 ! civil action describ$ 9 p>agraph   
7#a7 if ! sole basis = ! f9ancial int]e/
 ( ! attorney or law firm 9 ! pat5t or  
pat5ts at issue arises f ! attorney or  
law firm's receipt ( comp5sation        
reasonably relat$ to ! provision ( !    
legal repres5tation2 or  7ii7 a p]son ^:
 sole f9ancial int]e/ 9 ! pat5t or      
pat5ts at issue is own]%ip ( an equity  
int]e/ 9 ! p>ty alleg+ infr+em5t1 unless
 su* p]son also has ! "r or ability to  
influ5ce1 direct1 or control ! civil    
action4  4  7d7 ,discov]y limits  7#a7  
,am5dm5t ,*apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$ 
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end 
! foll[+ new section3  #bii;,a4         
,discov]y 9 pat5t infr+em5t action  7a7 
,discov]y 9 pat5t infr+em5t action      
,except z provid$ 9 subsections 7b7 &   
7c71 9 a civil action aris+ "u any ,act 
( ,congress relat+ to pat5ts1 if ! c\rt 

det]m9es t a rul+ relat+ to !           
con/ruction ( t]ms us$ 9 a pat5t claim  
ass]t$ 9 ! compla9t is requir$1 discov]y
 %all be limit$1 until su* rul+ is      
issu$1 to in=mation necess>y = ! c\rt to
 det]m9e ! mean+ ( ! t]ms us$ 9 ! pat5t 
claim1 includ+ any int]pretation ( ^?   
t]ms us$ to support ! claim ( infr+em5t4
  7b7 ,discretion ,to exp& scope (      
discov]y  7#a7 ,timely resolution (     
actions ,9 ! case ( an action "u any    
provision ( ,f$]al law 7includ+ an      
action t includes a claim = relief aris+
 "u section #bga7;e771 = :i* resolution 
)9 a specifi$ p]iod ( "t ( a civil      
action aris+ "u any ,act ( ,congress    
relat+ to pat5ts w necess>ily affect !  
rights ( a p>ty ) respect to ! pat5t1 ! 
c\rt %all p]mit discov]y1 9 addition to 
! discov]y au?oriz$ "u subsection 7a71  
be=e ! rul+ describ$ 9 subsection 7a7 is
 issu$ z necess>y to ensure timely      
resolution ( ! action4  7#b7 ,resolution
 ( motions ,:5 necess>y to resolve a    
motion prop]ly rais$ by a p>ty be=e a   

rul+ relat+ to ! con/ruction ( t]ms     
describ$ 9 subsection 7a7 is issu$1 !   
c\rt may all[ limit$ discov]y 9 addition
 to ! discov]y au?oriz$ "u subsection   
7a7 z necess>y to resolve ! motion4     
7#c7 ,special circum/ances ,9 special   
circum/ances t w\ld make d5ial (        
discov]y a manife/ inju/ice1 ! c\rt may 
p]mit discov]y1 9 addition to ! discov]y
 au?oriz$ "u subsection 7a71 z necess>y 
to prev5t ! manife/ inju/ice4  7#d7     
,actions seek+ relief bas$ on           
competitive h>m ,! limitation on        
discov]y provid$ "u subsection 7a7 %all 
n apply to an action seek+ a prelim9>y  
injunction to r$ress h>m aris+ f ! use1 
sale1 or (f] = sale ( any alleg$ly      
infr++ in/rum5tality t competes ) a     
product sold or (f]$ = sale1 or a       
process us$ 9 manufacture1 by a p>ty    
alleg+ infr+em5t4  7c7 ,exclusion f     
discov]y limitation ,! p>ties may       
volunt>ily cons5t to be exclud$1 9 :ole 
or 9 "p1 f ! limitation on discov]y     
provid$ "u subsection 7a7 if at lea/ "o 

pla9tiff & "o def5dant ent] into a sign$
 /ipulation1 to be fil$ ) & sign$ by !  
c\rt4 ,) reg>d to any discov]y exclud$ f
 ! requirem5ts ( subsection 7a7 "u !    
sign$ /ipulation1 ) respect to su*      
p>ties1 su* discov]y %all proce$ accord+
 to ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure4 
4  7#b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,! table (      
sections = *apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$
 ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end
 ! foll[+ new item3  #bii;,a4 ,discov]y 
9 pat5t infr+em5t action4  4  7e7 ,s5se 
( ,congress ,x is ! s5se ( ,congress t x
 is an abuse ( ! pat5t sy/em & aga9/    
public policy = a p>ty to s5d out       
purposely evasive dem& lett]s to end    
us]s alleg+ pat5t infr+em5t4 ,dem&      
lett]s s5t %\ld1 at ! lea/1 include     
basic in=mation ab\t ! pat5t 9 "q1 :at  
is be+ infr+$1 & h[ x is be+ infr+$4    
,any actions or litigation t /em f ^!   
types ( purposely evasive dem& lett]s to
 end us]s %\ld be consid]$ a fraudul5t  
or deceptive practice & an exceptional  
circum/ance :5 consid]+ :e!r !          

litigation is abusive4  7f7 ,dem& lett]s
 ,section #bhd ( title #ce1 ,unit$      
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$--  7#a7 9 ! fir/ 
undesignat$ p>agraph1 by /rik+ ,^u f9d+ 
& ins]t+ 7a7 ,9 g5]al4--,^u f9d+2  7#b7 
9 ! second undesignat$ p>agraph1 by     
/rik+ ,:5 ! damages & ins]t+ 7b7        
,assessm5t by c\rt2 treble damages4--,:5
 ! damages2  7#c7 by ins]t+ aft]        
subsection 7b71 z designat$ by p>agraph 
7#b7 ( ?is subsection1 ! foll[+3  7c7   
,willful infr+em5t ,a claimant seek+ to 
e/abli% willful infr+em5t may n rely on 
evid5ce ( pre-suit notification (       
infr+em5t unless t notification         
id5tifies ) p>ticul>ity ! ass]t$ pat5t1 
id5tifies ! product or process accus$1  
id5tifies ! ultimate p>5t entity ( !    
claimant1 & expla9s ) p>ticul>ity1 to ! 
ext5t possible foll[+ a reasonable      
inve/igation or inquiry1 h[ ! product or
 process infr+es "o or m claims ( !     
pat5t4  2 &  7#d7 9 ! la/ undesignat$   
p>agraph1 by /rik+ ,! c\rt & ins]t+ 7d7 
,exp]t te/imony4--,! c\rt4  7g7         

,effective date ,except z o!rwise       
provid$ 9 ?is section1 ! am5dm5ts made  
by ?is section %all take effect on !    
date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all     
apply to any action = :i* a compla9t is 
fil$ on or aft] t date4  #d4 ,transp>5cy
 ( pat5t own]%ip  7a7 ,am5dm5ts ,section
 #bij ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 
is am5d$--  7#a7 9 ! head+1 by /rik+    
suits & ins]t+ suits2 disclosure (      
int]e/s2  7#b7 by /rik+ ,! cl]ks &      
ins]t+ 7a7 ,notice ( pat5t suits4--,!   
cl]ks2 &  7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+
 new subsections3  7b7 ,initial         
disclosure  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,except z     
provid$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 ^u ! fil+ ( an 
initial compla9t = pat5t infr+em5t1 !   
pla9tiff %all disclose to ! ,pat5t &    
,tradem>k ,(fice1 ! c\rt1 & ea* adv]se  
p>ty ! id5tity ( ea* ( ! foll[+3  7,a7  
,! assignee ( ! pat5t or pat5ts at      
issue4  7,b7 ,any entity ) a "r to      
sublic5se or en=ce ! pat5t or pat5ts at 
issue4  7,c7 ,any entity1 o!r ?an !     
pla9tiff1 t ! pla9tiff kn[s to h a      

f9ancial int]e/ 9 ! pat5t or pat5ts at  
issue or ! pla9tiff4  7,d7 ,! ultimate  
p>5t entity ( any assignee id5tifi$ "u  
subp>agraph 7,a7 & any entity id5tifi$  
"u subp>agraph 7,b7 or 7,c74  7#b7      
,exemption ,! requirem5ts ( p>agraph    
7#a7 %all n apply ) respect to a civil  
action fil$ "u subsection 7a7 t includes
 a cause ( action describ$ "u section   
#bga7;e77#b74  7c7 ,disclosure          
compliance  7#a7 ,publicly trad$ ,=     
purposes ( subsection 7b77#a77;,c71 if !
 f9ancial int]e/ is held by a           
corporation trad$ on a public /ock      
ex*ange1 an id5tification ( ! "n ( !    
corporation & ! public ex*ange li/+ %all
 satisfy ! disclosure requirem5t4  7#b7 
,n publicly trad$ ,= purposes (         
subsection 7b77#a77;,c71 if ! f9ancial  
int]e/ is n held by a publicly trad$    
corporation1 ! disclosure %all satisfy !
 disclosure requirem5t if ! in=mation   
id5tifies--  7,a7 9 ! case ( a p>tn]%ip1
 ! "n ( ! p>tn]%ip & ! "n &             
correspond5ce address ( ea* p>tn] or o!r

 entity t holds m ?an a #e-p]c5t %>e ( t
 p>tn]%ip2  7,b7 9 ! case ( a           
corporation1 ! "n ( ! corporation1 !    
location ( incorporation1 ! address ( ! 
pr9cipal place ( bus9ess1 & ! "n ( ea*  
(fic] ( ! corporation2 &  7,c7 = ea*    
individual1 ! "n & correspond5ce address
 ( t individual4  7d7 ,ongo+ duty (     
disclosure to ! ,pat5t & ,tradem>k      
,(fice  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,a pla9tiff       
requir$ to submit in=mation "u          
subsection 7b7 or a subsequ5t own] ( !  
pat5t or pat5ts at issue %all1 n lat]   
?an #ij days aft] any *ange 9 ! assignee
 ( ! pat5t or pat5ts at issue or an     
entity describ$ "u subp>agraph 7,b7 or  
7,d7 ( subsection 7b77#a71 submit to !  
,pat5t & ,tradem>k ,(fice ! updat$      
id5tification ( su* assignee or entity4 
7#b7 ,failure to comply ,) respect to a 
pat5t = :i* ! requirem5t ( p>agraph 7#a7
 has n be5 met--  7,a7 ! pla9tiff or    
subsequ5t own] %all n be entitl$ to     
recov] reasonable fees & o!r exp5ses "u 
section #bhe or increas$ damages "u     

section #bhd ) respect to infr++        
activities tak+ place dur+ any p]iod (  
noncompliance ) p>agraph 7#a71 unless ! 
d5ial ( su* damages or fees w\ld be     
manife/ly unju/2 &  7,b7 ! c\rt %all    
aw>d to a prevail+ p>ty accus$ (        
infr+em5t reasonable fees & o!r exp5ses 
"u section #bhe t are incurr$ to discov]
 ! updat$ assignee or entity describ$ "u
 p>agraph 7#a71 unless su* sanctions    
w\ld be unju/4  7e7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is  
section3  7#a7 ,f9ancial int]e/ ,! t]m  
f9ancial int]e/--  7,a7 means--  7i7 )  
reg>d to a pat5t or pat5ts1 ! "r ( a    
p]son to receive proce$s relat$ to !    
ass]tion ( ! pat5t or pat5ts1 includ+ a 
fix$ or v>iable portion ( su* proce$s2 &
  7ii7 ) reg>d to ! pla9tiff1 direct or 
indirect own]%ip or control by a p]son (
 m ?an #e p]c5t ( su* pla9tiff2 &  7,b7 
does n mean--  7i7 own]%ip ( %>es or o!r
 int]e/s 9 a mutual or common inve/m5t  
fund1 unless ! own] ( su* int]e/        
p>ticipates 9 ! managem5t ( su* fund2 or
  7ii7 ! propriet>y int]e/ ( a          

policyhold] 9 a mutual insurance company
 or ( a depositor 9 a mutual sav+s      
association1 or a simil> propriet>y     
int]e/1 unless ! outcome ( ! proce$+    
c\ld sub/antially affect ! value ( su*  
int]e/4  7#b7 ,proce$+ ,! t]m proce$+   
means all /ages ( a civil action1       
includ+ pretrial & trial proce$+s &     
appellate review4  7#c7 ,ultimate p>5t  
entity  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,except z provid$ 
9 subp>agraph 7,b71 ! t]m ultimate p>5t 
entity has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9       
section #hja4a7;a77#c7 ( title #af1     
,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations1 or any     
successor regulation4  7,b7             
,modification ( def9ition ,! ,director  
may modify ! def9ition ( ultimate p>5t  
entity by regulation4  4  7b7 ,te*nical 
& con=m+ am5dm5t ,! item relat+ to      
section #bij 9 ! table ( sections =     
*apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates    
,code1 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3  #bij4
 ,notice ( pat5t suits2 disclosure (    
int]e/s4  4  7c7 ,regulations ,!        
,director may promulgate su* regulations

 z are necess>y to e/abli% a regi/ration
 fee 9 an am\nt suffici5t to recov] !   
e/imat$ co/s ( adm9i/]+ subsections 7b7 
?r\gh 7e7 ( section #bij ( title #ce1   
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by          
subsection 7a71 to facilitate !         
collection & ma9t5ance ( ! in=mation    
requir$ by su* subsections1 & to ensure 
! timely disclosure ( su* in=mation to !
 public4  7d7 ,effective date ,!        
am5dm5ts made by ?is section %all take  
effect ^u ! expiration ( ! #f-mon? p]iod
 beg9n+ on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is    
,act & %all apply to any action = :i* a 
compla9t is fil$ on or aft] su*         
effective date4  #e4 ,cu/om]-suit       
exception  7a7 ,am5dm5t ,section #bif ( 
title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$
 to read z foll[s3  #bif4 ,/ay ( action 
aga9/ cu/om]  7a7 ,/ay ( action aga9/   
cu/om] ,except z provid$ 9 subsection   
7d71 9 any civil action aris+ "u any    
,act ( ,congress relat+ to pat5ts1 !    
c\rt %all grant a motion to /ay at lea/ 
! portion ( ! action aga9/ a cov]$      

cu/om] relat$ to infr+em5t ( a pat5t    
involv+ a cov]$ product or process if ! 
foll[+ requirem5ts are met3  7#a7 ,!    
cov]$ manufactur] & ! cov]$ cu/om]      
cons5t 9 writ+ to ! /ay4  7#b7 ,! cov]$ 
manufactur] is a p>ty to ! action or to 
a sep>ate action involv+ ! same pat5t or
 pat5ts relat$ to ! same cov]$ product  
or process4  7#c7 ,! cov]$ cu/om] agrees
 to be b\nd by any issues t ! cov]$     
cu/om] has 9 common ) ! cov]$           
manufactur] & are f9ally decid$ z to !  
cov]$ manufactur] 9 an action describ$ 9
 p>agraph 7#b74  7#d7 ,! motion is fil$ 
aft] ! fir/ plead+ 9 ! action b n lat]  
?an ! lat] (--  7,a7 ! #abj? day aft] ! 
date on :i* ! fir/ plead+ 9 ! action is 
s]v$ t specifically id5tifies ! cov]$   
product or process z a basis = ! cov]$  
cu/om]'s alleg$ infr+em5t ( ! pat5t & t 
specifically id5tifies h[ ! cov]$       
product or process is alleg$ to infr+e !
 pat5t2 or  7,b7 ! date on :i* ! fir/   
s*$ul+ ord] 9 ! case is ent]$4  7b7     
,applicability ( /ay ,a /ay issu$ "u    

subsection 7a7 %all apply only to !     
pat5ts1 products1 sy/ems1 or compon5ts  
accus$ ( infr+em5t 9 ! action4  7c7     
,lift ( /ay  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,a /ay ent]$ 
"u ?is section may be lift$ ^u grant ( a
 motion bas$ on a %[+ t--  7,a7 ! action
 involv+ ! cov]$ manufactur] w n resolve
 a major issue 9 suit aga9/ ! cov]$     
cu/om]2 or  7,b7 ! /ay unreasonably     
prejudices & w\ld be manife/ly unju/ to 
! p>ty seek+ to lift ! /ay4  7#b7       
,sep>ate manufactur] action involv$ ,9 !
 case ( a /ay ent]$ bas$ on !           
p>ticipation ( ! cov]$ manufactur] 9 a  
sep>ate action involv+ ! same pat5t or  
pat5ts relat$ to ! same cov]$ product or
 process1 a motion "u ?is subsection may
 only be made if ! c\rt 9 su* sep>ate   
action det]m9es ! %[+ requir$ "u        
p>agraph 7#a7 has be5 met4  7d7         
,exemption ,?is section %all n apply to 
an action t includes a cause ( action   
describ$ "u section #bga7;e77#b74  7e7  
,cons5t judgm5t ,if1 foll[+ ! grant ( a 
motion to /ay "u ?is section1 ! cov]$   

manufactur] seeks or cons5ts to entry ( 
a cons5t judgm5t relat+ to "o or m ( !  
common issues t gave rise to ! /ay1 or  
decl9es to prosecute ?r\gh appeal a f9al
 decision z to "o or m ( ! common issues
 t gave rise to ! /ay1 ! c\rt may1 ^u   
grant ( a motion1 det]m9e t su* cons5t  
judgm5t or unappeal$ f9al decision %all 
n be b9d+ on ! cov]$ cu/om] ) respect to
 "o or m ( su* common issues bas$ on a  
%[+ t su* an outcome w\ld unreasonably  
prejudice & be manife/ly unju/ to !     
cov]$ cu/om] 9 light ( ! circum/ances ( 
! case4  7f7 ,rule ( con/ruction ,no?+ 9
 ?is section %all be con/ru$ to limit ! 
ability ( a c\rt to grant any /ay1 exp& 
any /ay grant$ "u ?is section1 or grant 
any motion to int]v5e1 if o!rwise       
p]mitt$ by law4  7g7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is 
section3  7#a7 ,cov]$ cu/om] ,! t]m     
cov]$ cu/om] means a p>ty accus$ (      
infr++ a pat5t or pat5ts 9 dispute bas$ 
on a cov]$ product or process4  7#b7    
,cov]$ manufactur] ,! t]m cov]$         
manufactur] means a p]son t manufactures

 or supplies1 or causes ! manufacture or
 supply (1 a cov]$ product or process or
 a relevant "p !re(4  7#c7 ,cov]$       
product or process ,! t]m cov]$ product 
or process means a product1 process1    
sy/em1 s]vice1 compon5t1 mat]ial1 or    
app>atus1 or relevant "p !re(1 t--  7,a7
 is alleg$ to infr+e ! pat5t or pat5ts 9
 dispute2 or  7,b7 implem5ts a process  
alleg$ to infr+e ! pat5t or pat5ts 9    
dispute4  4  7b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,!     
table ( sections = *apt] #bi ( title    
#ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by   
/rik+ ! item relat+ to section #bif &   
ins]t+ ! foll[+3  #bif4 ,/ay ( action   
aga9/ cu/om]4  4  7c7 ,effective date ,!
 am5dm5ts made by ?is section %all take 
effect on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act
 & %all apply to any action = :i* a     
compla9t is fil$ on or aft] ! fir/ day (
 ! #cj-;day p]iod t ends on t date4  #f4
 ,proc$ures & practices to implem5t     
recomm5dations ( ! ,judicial ,conf]5ce  
7a7 ,judicial ,conf]5ce rules &         
proc$ures on discov]y burd5s & co/s     

7#a7 ,rules & proc$ures ,! ,judicial    
,conf]5ce ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 us+ exi/+  
res\rces1 %all develop rules & proc$ures
 to implem5t ! issues & proposals       
describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 to address !   
asymmetries 9 discov]y burd5s & co/s 9  
any civil action aris+ "u any ,act (    
,congress relat+ to pat5ts4 ,su* rules &
 proc$ures %all include h[ & :5 paym5t =
 docum5t discov]y 9 addition to !       
discov]y ( core docum5t>y evid5ce is to 
occur1 & :at in=mation mu/ be pres5t$ to
 demon/rate f9ancial capacity be=e      
p]mitt+ docum5t discov]y 9 addition to !
 discov]y ( core docum5t>y evid5ce4     
7#b7 ,rules & proc$ures to be consid]$  
,! rules & proc$ures requir$ "u p>agraph
 7#a7 %\ld address ea* ( ! foll[+ issues
 & proposals3  7,a7 ,discov]y ( core    
docum5t>y evid5ce ,:e!r & to :at ext5t  
ea* p>ty to ! action is entitl$ to      
receive core docum5t>y evid5ce & %all be
 responsible = ! co/s ( produc+ core    
docum5t>y evid5ce )9 ! possession or    
control ( ea* su* p>ty1 & :e!r & to :at 

ext5t ea* p>ty to ! action may seek     
nondocum5t>y discov]y z o!rwise provid$ 
9 ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure4   
7,b7 ,electronic communication ,if !    
p>ties det]m9e t ! discov]y ( electronic
 communication is appropriate1 :e!r su* 
discov]y %all occur aft] ! p>ties h     
ex*ang$ initial disclosures & core      
docum5t>y evid5ce & :e!r su* discov]y   
%all be 9 accordance ) ! foll[+3  7i7   
,any reque/ = ! production ( electronic 
communication %all be specific & may n  
be a g5]al reque/ = ! production (      
in=mation relat+ to a product or        
bus9ess4  7ii7 ,ea* reque/ %all id5tify 
! cu/odian ( ! in=mation reque/$1 ! se>*
 t]ms1 & a "t frame4 ,! p>ties %all     
coop]ate to id5tify ! prop] cu/odians1 !
 prop] se>* t]ms1 & ! prop] "t frame4   
7iii7 ,a p>ty may n submit production   
reque/s to m ?an #e cu/odians1 unless ! 
p>ties jo9tly agree to modify ! numb] ( 
production reque/s )\t leave ( ! c\rt4  
7iv7 ,! c\rt may consid] conte/$ reque/s
 = up to #e additional cu/odians p]     

produc+ p>ty1 ^u a %[+ ( a di/9ct ne$   
bas$ on ! size1 complexity1 & issues ( !
 case4  7v7 ,if a p>ty reque/s !        
discov]y ( electronic communication =   
additional cu/odians beyond ! limits    
agre$ to by ! p>ties or grant$ by !     
c\rt1 ! reque/+ p>ty %all be> all       
reasonable co/s caus$ by su* additional 
discov]y4  7,c7 ,additional docum5t     
discov]y ,:e!r ! foll[+ %\ld apply3  7i7
 ,9 g5]al ,ea* p>ty to ! action may seek
 any additional docum5t discov]y o!rwise
 p]mitt$ "u ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil    
,proc$ure1 if su* p>ty be>s ! reasonable
 co/s1 includ+ reasonable attorney's    
fees1 ( ! additional docum5t discov]y4  
7ii7 ,requirem5ts = additional docum5t  
discov]y ,unless ! p>ties mutually agree
 o!rwise1 no p>ty may be p]mitt$        
additional docum5t discov]y unless su* a
 p>ty po/s a bond1 or provides o!r      
security1 9 an am\nt suffici5t to cov] !
 expect$ co/s ( su* additional docum5t  
discov]y1 or makes a %[+ to ! c\rt t su*
 p>ty has ! f9ancial capacity to pay !  

co/s ( su* additional docum5t discov]y4 
7iii7 ,limits on additional docum5t     
discov]y ,a c\rt1 ^u motion1 may det]m9e
 t a reque/ = additional docum5t        
discov]y is excessive1 irrelevant1 or   
o!rwise abusive & may set limits on su* 
additional docum5t discov]y4  7iv7 ,good
 cause modification ,a c\rt1 ^u motion &
 = good cause %[n1 may modify !         
requirem5ts ( subp>agraphs 7,a7 & 7,b7 &
 any def9ition "u p>agraph 7#c74 ,n lat]
 ?an #cj days aft] ! pretrial conf]5ce  
"u ,rule #af ( ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil 
,proc$ure1 ! p>ties %all jo9tly submit  
any propos$ modifications ( !           
requirem5ts ( subp>agraphs 7,a7 & 7,b7 &
 any def9ition "u p>agraph 7#c71 unless 
! p>ties d n agree1 9 :i* case ea* p>ty 
%all submit any propos$ modification (  
su* p>ty & a summ>y ( ! disagreem5t ov] 
! modification4  7v7 ,comput] code ,a   
c\rt1 ^u motion & = good cause %[n1 may 
det]m9e t comput] code %\ld be includ$ 9
 ! discov]y ( core docum5t>y evid5ce4 ,!
 discov]y ( comput] code %all occur aft]

 ! p>ties h ex*ang$ initial disclosures 
& o!r core docum5t>y evid5ce4  7,d7     
,discov]y sequ5ce & scope ,:e!r ! p>ties
 %all discuss & address 9 ! writt5      
report fil$ pursuant to ,rule #bf7;f7 ( 
! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure !    
views & proposals ( ea* p>ty on !       
foll[+3  7i7 ,:5 ! discov]y ( core      
docum5t>y evid5ce %\ld be complet$4     
7ii7 ,:e!r additional docum5t discov]y w
 be s\ght "u subp>agraph 7,c74  7iii7   
,any issues ab\t infr+em5t1 invalidity1 
or damages t1 if resolv$ be=e !         
additional discov]y describ$ 9          
subp>agraph 7,c7 comm5ces1 might        
simplify or /reaml9e ! case1 includ+ !  
id5tification ( any t]ms or phrases     
relat+ to any pat5t claim at issue to be
 con/ru$ by ! c\rt & :e!r ! e>ly        
con/ruction ( any ( ^? t]ms or phrases  
w\ld be helpful4  7#c7 ,def9itions ,9   
?is subsection3  7,a7 ,core docum5t>y   
evid5ce ,! t]m core docum5t>y evid5ce-- 
7i7 includes--  7,i7 docum5ts relat+ to 
! conception (1 r$uction to practice (1 

& application =1 ! pat5t or pat5ts at   
issue2  7,,ii7 docum5ts suffici5t to %[ 
! te*nical op]ation ( ! product or      
process id5tifi$ 9 ! compla9t z infr++ !
 pat5t or pat5ts at issue2  7,,iii7     
docum5ts relat+ to pot5tially invalidat+
 prior art2  7,,iv7 docum5ts relat+ to  
any lic5s+ (1 or o!r transf] ( rights   
to1 ! pat5t or pat5ts at issue be=e !   
date on :i* ! compla9t is fil$2  7,v7   
docum5ts suffici5t to %[ pr(it          
attributable to ! claim$ inv5tion ( !   
pat5t or pat5ts at issue2  7,,vi7       
docum5ts relat+ to any k by ! accus$    
infr+] ( ! pat5t or pat5ts at issue be=e
 ! date on :i* ! compla9t is fil$2      
7,,vii7 docum5ts relat+ to any k by !   
pat5tee ( infr+em5t ( ! pat5t or pat5ts 
at issue be=e ! date on :i* ! compla9t  
is fil$2  7,,viii7 docum5ts relat+ to   
any lic5s+ t]m or pric+ commitm5t to :i*
 ! pat5t or pat5ts may be subject ?r\gh 
any ag5cy or /&>d-sett+ body2 &  7,,ix7 
docum5ts suffici5t to %[ any m>k+ or o!r
 notice provid$ ( ! pat5t or pat5ts at  

issue2 &  7ii7 does n include comput]   
code1 except z specifi$ 9 p>agraph      
7#b77;,c77v74  7,b7 ,electronic         
communication ,! t]m electronic         
communication means any =m ( electronic 
communication1 includ+ email1 text      
message1 or in/ant message4  7#d7       
,implem5tation by ! ,di/rict ,c\rts ,n  
lat] ?an #f mon?s aft] ! date on :i* !  
,judicial ,conf]5ce has develop$ ! rules
 & proc$ures requir$ by ?is subsection1 
ea* ,unit$ ,/ates di/rict c\rt & !      
,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,f$]al ,claims    
%all revise ! applicable local rules =  
su* c\rt to implem5t su* rules &        
proc$ures4  7#e7 ,au?ority = ,judicial  
,conf]5ce to review & modify  7,a7 ,/udy
 ( efficacy ( rules & proc$ures ,!      
,judicial ,conf]5ce %all /udy ! efficacy
 ( ! rules & proc$ures requir$ by ?is   
subsection dur+ ! #d-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on
 ! date on :i* su* rules & proc$ures by 
! di/rict c\rts & ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt 
( ,f$]al ,claims are fir/ implem5t$4 ,! 
,judicial ,conf]5ce may modify su* rules

 & proc$ures foll[+ su* #d-ye> p]iod4   
7,b7 ,initial modifications ,be=e !     
expiration ( ! #d-ye> p]iod describ$ 9  
subp>agraph 7,a71 ! ,judicial ,conf]5ce 
may modify ! requirem5ts "u ?is         
subsection--  7i7 by designat+          
categories ( core docum5t>y evid5ce1 9  
addition to ^? designat$ "u p>agraph    
7#c77;,a71 z ! ,judicial ,conf]5ce      
det]m9es to be appropriate & necess>y2 &
  7ii7 z o!rwise necess>y to prev5t a   
manife/ inju/ice1 ! imposition ( a      
requirem5t ! co/s ( :i* cle>ly outweigh 
its b5efits1 or a result t c\ld n       
reasonably h be5 int5d$ by ! ,congress4 
7b7 ,judicial ,conf]5ce pat5t case      
managem5t ,! ,judicial ,conf]5ce ( !    
,unit$ ,/ates1 us+ exi/+ res\rces1 %all 
develop case managem5t proc$ures to be  
implem5t$ by ! ,unit$ ,/ates di/rict    
c\rts & ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,f$]al  
,claims = any civil action aris+ "u any 
,act ( ,congress relat+ to pat5ts1      
includ+ initial disclosure & e>ly case  
managem5t conf]5ce practices t--  7#a7 w

 id5tify any pot5tial dispositive issues
 ( ! case2 &  7#b7 focus on e>ly summ>y 
judgm5t motions :5 resolution ( issues  
may lead to exp$it$ disposition ( !     
case4  7c7 ,revision ( =m = pat5t       
infr+em5t  7#a7 ,elim9ation ( =m ,!     
,supreme ,c\rt1 us+ exi/+ res\rces1 %all
 elim9ate ,=m #ah 9 ! ,app5dix to !     
,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure 7relat+
 to ,compla9t = ,pat5t ,infr+em5t71     
effective on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is  
,act4  7#b7 ,revis$ =m ,! ,supreme ,c\rt
 may prescribe a new =m or =ms sett+ out
 model allegations ( pat5t infr+em5t t1 
at a m9imum1 notify accus$ infr+]s ( !  
ass]t$ claim or claims1 ! products or   
s]vices accus$ ( infr+em5t1 & !         
pla9tiff's !ory = h[ ea* accus$ product 
or s]vice meets ea* limitation ( ea*    
ass]t$ claim4 ,! ,judicial ,conf]5ce    
%\ld ex]cise ! au?ority "u section #bjgc
 ( title #bh1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 to   
make recomm5dations ) respect to su* new
 =m or =ms4  7d7 ,protection (          
intellectual-,prop]ty lic5ses 9         

bankruptcy  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #aebb
 ( title #aa1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is   
am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7e7   
,section #cfe7n7 %all apply to cases "u 
?is *apt]4 ,if ! =eign repres5tative    
rejects or repudiates a contract "u :i* 
! debtor is a lic5sor ( intellectual    
prop]ty1 ! lic5see "u su* contract %all 
be entitl$ to make ! election & ex]cise 
! rights describ$ 9 section #cfe7n74  4 
7#b7 ,tradem>ks  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,section 
#aja7ce;,a7 ( title #aa1 ,unit$ ,/ates  
,code1 is am5d$--  7i7 9 subp>agraph    
7,e71 by /rik+ or2  7ii7 9 subp>agraph  
7,f71 by /rik+ title #ag2 & ins]t+ title
 #ag2 or2 &  7iii7 by add+ aft]         
subp>agraph 7,f7 ! foll[+ new           
subp>agraph3  7,g7 a tradem>k1 s]vice   
m>k1 or trade "n1 z ^? t]ms are def9$ 9 
section #de ( ! ,act ( ,july #e1 #aidf  
7commonly ref]r$ to z ! ,tradem>k ,act (
 #aidf7 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #aabg72  4  7,b7 
,con=m+ am5dm5t ,section #cfe7n77#b7 (  
title #aa1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is      
am5d$--  7i7 9 subp>agraph 7,b7--  7,i7 

by /rik+ royalty paym5ts & ins]t+       
royalty or o!r paym5ts2 &  7,,ii7 by    
/rik+ & aft] ! semicolon2  7ii7 9       
subp>agraph 7,c71 by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! 
end ( clause 7ii7 & ins]t+ 2 &2 &  7iii7
 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new          
subp>agraph3  7,d7 9 ! case ( a         
tradem>k1 s]vice m>k1 or trade "n1 !    
tru/ee %all n be reliev$ ( a contractual
 obligation to monitor & control !      
quality ( a lic5s$ product or s]vice4  4
  7#c7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made 
by ?is subsection %all take effect on ! 
date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all     
apply to any case t is p5d+ on1 or = :i*
 a petition or compla9t is fil$ on or   
aft]1 su* date ( enactm5t4  #g4 ,small  
bus9ess education1 outrea*1 & in=mation 
access  7a7 ,small bus9ess education &  
outrea*  7#a7 ,res\rces = small bus9ess 
,us+ exi/+ res\rces1 ! ,director %all   
develop educational res\rces = small    
bus9esses to address conc]ns aris+ f    
pat5t infr+em5t4  7#b7 ,small ,bus9ess  
,pat5t outrea* ,! exi/+ small bus9ess   

pat5t outrea* programs ( ! ,(fice1 & !  
relevant (fices at ! ,small ,bus9ess    
,adm9i/ration & ! ,m9ority ,bus9ess     
,developm5t ,ag5cy1 %all provide        
education & aw>5ess on abusive pat5t    
litigation practices4 ,! ,director may  
give special consid]ation to ! unique   
ne$s ( small firms own$ by disabl$      
vet]ans1 s]vice-disabl$ vet]ans1 wom51 &
 m9ority entrepr5eurs 9 plann+ & execut+
 ! outrea* ef=ts by ! ,(fice4  7b7      
,improv+ ,in=mation ,transp>5cy = ,small
 ,bus9ess & ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,pat5t &    
,tradem>k ,(fice us]s  7#a7 ,web site   
,us+ exi/+ res\rces1 ! ,director %all   
create a us]-fri5dly section on !       
(ficial ,web site ( ! ,(fice to notify !
 public :5 a pat5t case is br\ght 9     
,f$]al c\rt &1 ) respect to ea* pat5t at
 issue 9 su* case1 ! ,director %all     
include--  7,a7 in=mation disclos$ "u   
subsections 7b7 & 7d7 ( section #bij (  
title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$  
by section #d7;a7 ( ?is ,act2 &  7,b7   
any o!r in=mation ! ,director det]m9es  

to be relevant4  7#b7 ,=mat ,9 ord] to  
promote accessibility = ! public1 !     
in=mation describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 %all 
be se>*able by pat5t numb]1 pat5t art   
area1 & entity4  #h4 ,/udies on pat5t   
transactions1 quality1 & exam9ation  7a7
 ,/udy on ,second>y ,m>ket ,ov]sight =  
,pat5t ,transactions ,to ,promote       
,transp>5cy & ,e?ical ,bus9ess          
,practices  7#a7 ,/udy requir$ ,!       
,director1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y 
( ,comm]ce1 ! ,secret>y ( ! ,treasury1 !
 ,*airman ( ! ,securities & ,ex*ange    
,commission1 ! heads ( o!r relevant     
ag5cies1 & int]e/$ p>ties1 %all1 us+    
exi/+ res\rces ( ! ,(fice1 conduct a    
/udy--  7,a7 to develop legislative     
recomm5dations to ensure great]         
transp>5cy & acc\ntability 9 pat5t      
transactions occurr+ on ! second>y      
m>ket2  7,b7 to exam9e ! economic impact
 t ! pat5t second>y m>ket has on !      
,unit$ ,/ates2  7,c7 to exam9e lic5s+ & 
o!r ov]sight requirem5ts t may be plac$ 
on ! pat5t second>y m>ket1 includ+ on ! 

p>ticipants 9 su* m>kets1 to ensure t ! 
m>ket is a level play+ field & t brok]s 
9 ! m>ket h ! requisite exp]tise & adh]e
 to e?ical bus9ess practices2 &  7,d7 to
 exam9e ! requirem5ts plac$ on o!r      
m>kets4  7#b7 ,report on /udy ,n lat]   
?an #ah mon?s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t (
 ?is ,act1 ! ,director %all submit a    
report to ! ,committee on ! ,judici>y ( 
! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,committee
 on ! ,judici>y ( ! ,s5ate on ! f9d+s & 
recomm5dations ( ! ,director f ! /udy   
requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a74  7b7 ,/udy on 
pat5ts own$ by ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,gov]nm5t
  7#a7 ,/udy requir$ ,! ,director1 9    
consultation ) ! heads ( relevant       
ag5cies & int]e/$ p>ties1 %all1 us+     
exi/+ res\rces ( ! ,(fice1 conduct a    
/udy on pat5ts own$ by ! ,unit$ ,/ates  
,gov]nm5t t--  7,a7 exam9es h[ su*      
pat5ts are lic5s$ & sold1 & any         
litigation relat+ to ! lic5s+ or sale ( 
su* pat5ts2  7,b7 provides legislative &
 adm9i/rative recomm5dations on :e!r !re
 %\ld be re/rictions plac$ on pat5ts    

acquir$ f ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,gov]nm5t2    
7,c7 exam9es :e!r or n ea* relevant     
ag5cy ma9ta9s adequate records on !     
pat5ts own$ by su* ag5cy1 specifically  
:e!r su* ag5cy addresses lic5s+1        
assignm5t1 & ,gov]nm5t grants =         
te*nology relat$ to su* pat5ts2 &  7,d7 
provides recomm5dations to ensure t ea* 
relevant ag5cy has an adequate po9t (   
contact t is responsible = manag+ !     
pat5t portfolio ( ! ag5cy4  7#b7 ,report
 on /udy ,n lat] ?an #a ye> aft] ! date 
( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,director    
%all submit to ! ,committee on !        
,judici>y ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & 
! ,committee on ! ,judici>y ( ! ,s5ate a
 report on ! f9d+s & recomm5dations ( ! 
,director f ! /udy requir$ "u p>agraph  
7#a74  7c7 ,/udy on ,pat5t ,quality &   
,access to ! ,be/ ,in=mation dur+       
,exam9ation  7#a7 ,,gao /udy ,!         
,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates    
%all1 us+ exi/+ res\rces1 conduct a /udy
 on pat5t exam9ation at ! ,(fice & !    
te*nologies available to improve        

exam9ation & improve pat5t quality4     
7#b7 ,cont5ts ( ! /udy ,! /udy requir$  
"u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 
7,a7 ,an exam9ation ( pat5t quality at !
 ,(fice4  7,b7 ,an exam9ation ( ways to 
improve pat5t quality1 specifically     
?r\gh te*nology1 t %all include exam9+  
be/ practices at =eign pat5t (fices & ! 
use ( exi/+ (f-!-%elf te*nologies to    
improve pat5t exam9ation4  7,c7 ,a      
description ( h[ pat5ts are classifi$4  
7,d7 ,an exam9ation ( proc$ures 9 place 
to prev5t d\ble pat5t+ ?r\gh fil+ by    
applicants 9 multiple art areas4  7,e7  
,an exam9ation ( ! types ( (f-!-%elf    
prior art databases & se>* s(tw>e us$ by
 =eign pat5t (fices & gov]nm5ts1        
p>ticul>ly 9 ,europe & ,asia1 & :e!r ^? 
databases & se>* tools c\ld be us$ by ! 
,(fice to improve pat5t exam9ation4     
7,f7 ,an exam9ation ( any o!r areas !   
,comptroll] ,g5]al det]m9es to be       
relevant4  7#c7 ,report on /udy ,n lat] 
?an #a ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t (   
?is ,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al %all     

submit to ! ,committee on ! ,judici>y ( 
! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,committee
 on ! ,judici>y ( ! ,s5ate a report on !
 f9d+s & recomm5dations f ! /udy requir$
 by ?is subsection1 includ+             
recomm5dations = any *anges to laws &   
regulations t w improve ! exam9ation (  
pat5t applications & pat5t quality4  7d7
 ,/udy on ,pat5t ,small ,claims ,c\rt   
7#a7 ,/udy ,requir$  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,!   
,director ( ! ,adm9i/rative ,(fice ( !  
,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rts1 9 consultation ) !
 ,director ( ! ,f$]al ,judicial ,c5t] & 
! ,unit$ ,/ates ,pat5t & ,tradem>k      
,(fice1 %all1 us+ exi/+ res\rces1       
conduct a /udy to exam9e ! idea (       
develop+ a pilot program = pat5t small  
claims proc$ures 9 c]ta9 judicial       
di/ricts )9 ! exi/+ pat5t pilot program 
m&at$ by ,public ,law #aaa-cdi4  7,b7   
,cont5ts ( /udy ,! /udy "u subp>agraph  
7,a7 %all exam9e--  7i7 ! necess>y      
crit]ia = us+ small claims proc$ures2   
7ii7 ! co/s t w\ld be incurr$ =         
e/abli%+1 ma9ta9+1 & op]at+ su* a pilot 

program2 &  7iii7 ! /eps t w\ld be tak5 
to ensure t ! proc$ures us$ 9 ! pilot   
program are n misus$ = abusive pat5t    
litigation4  7#b7 ,report on /udy ,n    
lat] ?an #a ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t
 ( ?is ,act1 ! ,director ( !            
,adm9i/rative ,(fice ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates  
,c\rts %all submit a report to !        
,committee on ! ,judici>y ( ! ,h\se (   
,repres5tatives & ! ,committee on !     
,judici>y ( ! ,s5ate on ! f9d+s &       
recomm5dations ( ! ,director ( !        
,adm9i/rative ,(fice f ! /udy requir$ "u
 p>agraph 7#a74  7e7 ,/udy on dem&      
lett]s  7#a7 ,/udy ,! ,director1 9      
consultation ) ! heads ( o!r appropriate
 ag5cies1 %all1 us+ exi/+ res\rces1     
conduct a /udy ( ! preval5ce ( !        
practice ( s5d+ pat5t dem& lett]s 9 bad 
fai? & ! ext5t to :i* t practice may1   
?r\gh fraudul5t or deceptive practices1 
impose a negative impact on !           
m>ketplace4  7#b7 ,report to congress ,n
 lat] ?an #a ye> aft] ! date ( !        
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,director %all   

submit a report to ! ,committee on !    
,judici>y ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & 
! ,committee on ! ,judici>y ( ! ,s5ate  
on ! f9d+s & recomm5dations ( !         
,director f ! /udy requir$ "u p>agraph  
7#a74  7#c7 ,pat5t dem& lett] def9$ ,9  
?is subsection1 ! t]m pat5t dem& lett]  
means a writt5 communication relat+ to a
 pat5t t /ates or indicates1 directly or
 indirectly1 t ! recipi5t or anyone     
affiliat$ ) ! recipi5t is or may be     
infr++ ! pat5t4  7f7 ,/udy on bus9ess   
me?od pat5t quality  7#a7 ,,gao /udy ,! 
,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates    
%all1 us+ exi/+ res\rces1 conduct a /udy
 on ! volume & nature ( litigation      
involv+ bus9ess me?od pat5ts4  7#b7     
,cont5ts ( /udy ,! /udy requir$ "u      
p>agraph 7#a7 %all focus on exam9+ !    
quality ( bus9ess me?od pat5ts ass]t$ 9 
suits alleg+ pat5t infr+em5t1 & may     
include an exam9ation ( any o!r areas t 
! ,comptroll] ,g5]al det]m9es to be     
relevant4  7#c7 ,report to congress ,n  
lat] ?an #a ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t

 ( ?is ,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al %all  
submit to ! ,committee on ! ,judici>y ( 
! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,committee
 on ! ,judici>y ( ! ,s5ate a report on !
 f9d+s & recomm5dations f ! /udy requir$
 by ?is subsection1 includ+             
recomm5dations = any *anges to laws or  
regulations t ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al      
consid]s appropriate on ! basis ( !     
/udy4  7g7 ,/udy on impact ( legislation
 on ability ( individuals & small       
bus9esses to protect exclusive rights to
 inv5tions & discov]ies  7#a7 ,/udy     
requir$ ,! ,director1 9 consultation ) !
 ,secret>y ( ,comm]ce1 ! ,director ( !  
,adm9i/rative ,(fice ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates  
,c\rts1 ! ,director ( ! ,f$]al ,judicial
 ,c5t]1 ! heads ( o!r relevant ag5cies1 
& int]e/$ p>ties1 %all1 us+ exi/+       
res\rces ( ! ,(fice1 conduct a /udy to  
exam9e ! economic impact ( sections #c1 
#d1 & #e ( ?is ,act1 & any am5dm5ts made
 by su* sections1 on ! ability (        
individuals & small bus9esses own$ by   
wom51 vet]ans1 & m9orities to ass]t1    

secure1 & v9dicate ! con/itutionally    
gu>ante$ exclusive "r to inv5tions &    
discov]ies by su* individuals & small   
bus9ess4  7#b7 ,report on /udy ,n lat]  
?an #b ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t (  
?is ,act1 ! ,director %all submit to !  
,committee on ! ,judici>y ( ! ,h\se (   
,repres5tatives & ! ,committee on !     
,judici>y ( ! ,s5ate a report on ! f9d+s
 & recomm5dations ( ! ,director f ! /udy
 requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a74  #i4         
,improvem5ts & te*nical corrections to !
 ,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act  7a7 
,po/-,grant review am5dm5t ,section     
#cbe7;e77#b7 ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates 
,code is am5d$ by /rik+ or reasonably   
c\ld h rais$4  7b7 ,use ( di/rict-,c\rt 
claim con/ruction 9 po/-,grant & int]   
p>tes reviews  7#a7 ,int] p>tes review  
,section #caf7;a7 ( title #ce1 ,unit$   
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$--  7,a7 9        
p>agraph 7#ab71 by /rik+ 2 & & ins]t+ a 
semicolon2  7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#ac71 by   
/rik+ ! p]iod at ! end & ins]t+ 2 &2 &  
7,c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new      

p>agraph3  7#ad7 provid+ t = all        
purposes "u ?is *apt]--  7,a7 ea* claim 
( a pat5t %all be con/ru$ z su* claim   
w\ld be 9 a civil action to invalidate a
 pat5t "u section #bhb7;b71 includ+     
con/ru+ ea* claim ( ! pat5t 9 accordance
 ) ! ord9>y & cu/om>y mean+ ( su* claim 
z und]/ood by "o ( ord9>y skill 9 ! art 
& ! prosecution hi/ory p]ta9+ to !      
pat5t2 &  7,b7 if a c\rt has previ\sly  
con/ru$ ! claim or a claim t]m 9 a civil
 action 9 :i* ! pat5t own] 0 a p>ty1 !  
,(fice %all consid] su* claim           
con/ruction4  4  7#b7 ,po/-grant review 
,section #cbf7;a7 ( title #ce1 ,unit$   
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$--  7,a7 9        
p>agraph 7#aa71 by /rik+ 2 & & ins]t+ a 
semicolon2  7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#ab71 by   
/rik+ ! p]iod at ! end & ins]t+ 2 &2 &  
7,c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new      
p>agraph3  7#ac7 provid+ t = all        
purposes "u ?is *apt]--  7,a7 ea* claim 
( a pat5t %all be con/ru$ z su* claim   
w\ld be 9 a civil action to invalidate a
 pat5t "u section #bhb7;b71 includ+     

con/ru+ ea* claim ( ! pat5t 9 accordance
 ) ! ord9>y & cu/om>y mean+ ( su* claim 
z und]/ood by "o ( ord9>y skill 9 ! art 
& ! prosecution hi/ory p]ta9+ to !      
pat5t2 &  7,b7 if a c\rt has previ\sly  
con/ru$ ! claim or a claim t]m 9 a civil
 action 9 :i* ! pat5t own] 0 a p>ty1 !  
,(fice %all consid] su* claim           
con/ruction4  4  7#c7 ,te*nical & con=m+
 am5dm5t ,section #ah7;a77#a77;,a7 ( !  
,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act       
7,public ,law #aab-bi2 #abf ,/at4 #cbi2 
#ce ,u4,s4,c4 #cba note7 is am5d$ by    
/rik+ ,section #cba7;c7 & ins]t+        
,sections #cba7;c7 & #cbf7;a77#ac74     
7#d7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by
 ?is subsection %all take effect ^u !   
expiration ( ! #ij-;day p]iod beg9n+ on 
! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 & %all  
apply to any proce$+ "u *apt] #ca or #cb
 ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z !  
case may be1 = :i* ! petition = review  
is fil$ on or aft] su* effective date4  
7c7 ,codification ( ! d\ble-,pat5t+     
doctr9e = fir/-,inv5tor-,to-,file pat5ts

  7#a7 ,am5dm5t ,*apt] #aj ( title #ce1 
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at
 ! end ! foll[+ new section3  #ajf4     
,prior art 9 cases ( d\ble pat5t+ ,a    
claim$ inv5tion ( a pat5t issu$ "u      
section #aea 7ref]r$ to z ! fir/ pat5t7 
t is n prior art to a claim$ inv5tion ( 
ano!r pat5t 7ref]r$ to z ! second pat5t7
 %all be consid]$ prior art to ! claim$ 
inv5tion ( ! second pat5t = ! purpose ( 
det]m9+ ! nonobvi\sness ( ! claim$      
inv5tion ( ! second pat5t "u section    
#ajc if--  7#a7 ! claim$ inv5tion ( !   
fir/ pat5t 0 effectively fil$ "u section
 #ajb7;d7 on or be=e ! effective fil+   
date ( ! claim$ inv5tion ( ! second     
pat5t2  7#b7 ei!r--  7,a7 ! fir/ pat5t &
 second pat5t "n ! same individual or   
individuals z ! inv5tor2 or  7,b7 !     
claim$ inv5tion ( ! fir/ pat5t w\ld     
con/itute prior art to ! claim$ inv5tion
 ( ! second pat5t "u section            
#ajb7;a77#b7 if an exception "u section 
#ajb7;b77#b7 7 deem$ to be inapplicable 
& ! claim$ inv5tion ( ! fir/ pat5t 01 or

 7 deem$ to be1 effectively fil$ "u     
section #ajb7;d7 be=e ! effective fil+  
date ( ! claim$ inv5tion ( ! second     
pat5t2 &  7#c7 ! pat5tee ( ! second     
pat5t has n disclaim$ ! rights to en=ce 
! second pat5t indep5d5tly f1 & beyond !
 /atutory t]m (1 ! fir/ pat5t4  4  7#b7 
,regulations ,! ,director %all          
promulgate regulations sett+ =? ! =m &  
cont5t ( any disclaim] requir$ = a pat5t
 to be issu$ 9 compliance ) section #ajf
 ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z    
add$ by p>agraph 7#a74 ,su* regulations 
%all apply to any disclaim] fil$ aft] a 
pat5t has issu$4 ,a disclaim]1 :5 fil$1 
%all be consid]$ = ! purpose ( det]m9+ !
 validity ( ! pat5t "u section #ajf (   
title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#c7   
,con=m+ am5dm5t ,! table ( sections =   
*apt] #aj ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates    
,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end !      
foll[+ new item3  #ajf4 ,prior art 9    
cases ( d\ble pat5t+4  4  7#d7          
,exclusive rule ,a pat5t subject to     
section #ajf ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates 

,code1 z add$ by p>agraph 7#a71 %all n  
be held invalid on any non/atutory1     
d\ble-pat5t+ gr\nd bas$ on a pat5t      
describ$ 9 section #c7n77#a7 ( !        
,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act 7#ce  
,u4,s4,c4 #ajj note74  7#e7 ,effective  
date ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is subsection 
%all take effect ^u ! expiration ( !    
#a-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( !       
enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply to a   
pat5t or pat5t application only if bo? !
 fir/ & second pat5ts describ$ 9 section
 #ajf ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 
z add$ by p>agraph 7#a71 are pat5ts or  
pat5t applications t are describ$ 9     
section #c7n77#a7 ( ! ,leahy-,smi?      
,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act 7#ce ,u4,s4,c4 #ajj
 note74  7d7 ,,pto pat5t reviews  7#a7  
,cl>ification  7,a7 ,scope ( prior art  
,section #ah7;a77#a77;,c77i7 ( !        
,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act 7#ce  
,u4,s4,c4 #cba note7 is am5d$ by /rik+  
section #ajb7;a7 & ins]t+ subsection 7a7
 or 7e7 ( section #ajb4  7,b7 ,effective
 date ,! am5dm5t made by subp>agraph    

7,a7 %all take effect on ! date ( !     
enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply to any 
proce$+ p5d+ on1 or fil$ on or aft]1 su*
 date ( enactm5t4  7#b7 ,au?ority to    
waive fee ,subject to available         
res\rces1 ! ,director may waive paym5t (
 a fil+ fee = a transitional proce$+    
describ$ "u section #ah7;a7 ( !         
,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act 7#ce  
,u4,s4,c4 #cba note74  7e7 ,cl>ification
 ( limits on pat5t t]m adju/m5t  7#a7   
,am5dm5ts ,section #aed7;b77#a77;,b7 (  
title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is      
am5d$--  7,a7 9 ! matt] prec$+ clause   
7i71 by /rik+ n includ+-- & ins]t+ ! t]m
 ( ! pat5t %all be ext5d$ #a day = ea*  
day aft] ! end ( t #c-ye> p]iod until ! 
pat5t is issu$1 n includ+--2  7,b7 9    
clause 7i71 by /rik+ consum$ by cont9u$ 
exam9ation ( ! application reque/$ by ! 
applicant & ins]t+ consum$ aft] cont9u$ 
exam9ation ( ! application is reque/$ by
 ! applicant2  7,c7 9 clause 7iii71 by  
/rik+ ! comma at ! end & ins]t+ a p]iod2
 &  7,d7 by /rik+ ! matt] foll[+ clause 

7iii74  7#b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts
 made by ?is subsection %all take effect
 on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act &    
apply to any pat5t application t is p5d+
 on1 or fil$ on or aft]1 su* date (     
enactm5t4  7f7 ,cl>ification (          
jurisdiction  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,f$]al   
int]e/ 9 prev5t+ inconsi/5t f9al        
judicial det]m9ations z to ! legal =ce  
or effect ( ! claims 9 a pat5t pres5ts a
 sub/antial ,f$]al issue t is important 
to ! ,f$]al sy/em z a :ole4  7#b7       
,applicability ,p>agraph 7#a7--  7,a7   
%all apply to all cases fil$ on or aft]1
 or p5d+ on1 ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is  
,act2 &  7,b7 %all n apply to a case 9  
:i* a ,f$]al c\rt has issu$ a rul+ on   
:e!r ! case or a claim arises "u any    
,act ( ,congress relat+ to pat5ts or    
plant v>iety protection be=e ! date ( ! 
enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  7g7 ,pat5t ,pilot 
,program 9 ,c]ta9 ,di/rict ,c\rts       
,duration  7#a7 ,duration ,section      
#a7;c7 ( ,public ,law #aaa-cdi 7#abd    
,/at4 #cfgd2 #bh ,u4,s4,c4 #acg note7 is

 am5d$ to read z foll[s3  7c7 ,duration 
,! program e/abli%$ "u subsection 7a7   
%all be ma9ta9$ us+ exi/+ res\rces1 &   
%all t]m9ate #bj ye>s aft] ! end ( !    
#f-mon? p]iod describ$ 9 subsection 7b74
  4  7#b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5t    
made by p>agraph 7#a7 %all take effect  
on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  7h7 
,te*nical corrections  7#a7 ,novelty    
7,a7 ,am5dm5t ,section #ajb7;b77#a77;,a7
 ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is   
am5d$ by /rik+ ! inv5tor or jo9t inv5tor
 or by ano!r & ins]t+ ! inv5tor or a    
jo9t inv5tor or ano!r4  7,b7 ,effective 
date ,! am5dm5t made by subp>agraph 7,a7
 %all be effective z if includ$ 9 !     
am5dm5t made by section #c7;b77#a7 ( !  
,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act       
7,public ,law #aab-bi74  7#b7 ,inv5tor's
 oa? or decl>ation  7,a7 ,am5dm5t ,!    
second s5t5ce ( section #aae7;a7 ( title
 #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by  
/rik+ %all execute & ins]t+ may be      
requir$ to execute4  7,b7 ,effective    
date ,! am5dm5t made by subp>agraph 7,a7

 %all be effective z if includ$ 9 !     
am5dm5t made by section #d7;a77#a7 ( !  
,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act       
7,public ,law #aab-bi74  7#c7 ,assignee 
fil]s  7,a7 ,b5efit ( e>li] fil+ date2  
"r ( priority ,section #aai7;e77#a7 (   
title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is      
am5d$1 9 ! fir/ s5t5ce1 by /rik+ by an  
inv5tor or inv5tors nam$ & ins]t+ t     
names ! inv5tor or a jo9t inv5tor4  7,b7
 ,b5efit ( e>li] fil+ date 9 ! ,unit$   
,/ates ,section #abj ( title #ce1 ,unit$
 ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$1 9 ! fir/       
s5t5ce1 by /rik+ names an inv5tor or    
jo9t inv5tor & ins]t+ names ! inv5tor or
 a jo9t inv5tor4  7,c7 ,effective date  
,! am5dm5ts made by ?is p>agraph %all   
take effect on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is
 ,act & %all apply to any pat5t         
application1 & any pat5t issu+ f su*    
application1 t is fil$ on or aft]       
,septemb] #af1 #bjab4  7#d7 ,d]iv$      
pat5ts  7,a7 ,am5dm5t ,section #bia7;b7 
( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is    
am5d$ by /rik+ or jo9t inv5tor & ins]t+ 

or a jo9t inv5tor4  7,b7 ,effective date
 ,! am5dm5t made by subp>agraph 7,a7    
%all be effective z if includ$ 9 !      
am5dm5t made by section #c7;h77#a7 ( !  
,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act       
7,public ,law #aab-bi74  7#e7           
,specification ,not)/&+ section #d7;e7 (
 ! ,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act    
7,public ,law #aab-bi2 #abe ,/at4 #big71
 ! am5dm5ts made by subsections 7c7 &   
7d7 ( section #d ( su* ,act %all apply  
to any proce$+ or matt] t is p5d+ on1 or
 fil$ on or aft]1 ! date ( ! enactm5t ( 
?is ,act4  7#f7 ,"t limit = comm5c+     
misconduct proce$+s  7,a7 ,am5dm5t ,!   
f\r? s5t5ce ( section #cb ( title #ce1  
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+  
#a ye> & ins]t+ #ah mon?s4  7,b7        
,effective date ,! am5dm5t made by ?is  
p>agraph %all take effect on ! date ( ! 
enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply to any 
action 9 :i* ! ,(fice files a compla9t  
on or aft] su* date ( enactm5t4  7#g7   
,pat5t own] response  7,a7 ,conduct (   
int] p>tes review ,p>agraph 7#h7 (      

section #caf7;a7 ( title #ce1 ,unit$    
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ !       
petition "u section #cac & ins]t+ !     
petition "u section #caa4  7,b7 ,conduct
 ( po/-grant review ,p>agraph 7#h7 (    
section #cbf7;a7 ( title #ce1 ,unit$    
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ !       
petition "u section #cbc & ins]t+ !     
petition "u section #cba4  7,c7         
,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is 
p>agraph %all take effect on ! date ( ! 
enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  7#h7 ,int]national
 applications  7,a7 ,am5dm5ts ,section  
#bjb7;b7 ( ! ,pat5t ,law ,treaties      
,implem5tation ,act ( #bjab 7,public    
,law #aab-baa2 #abf ,/at4 #aecf7 is     
am5d$--  7i7 by /rik+ p>agraph 7#g72 &  
7ii7 by r$esignat+ p>agraphs 7#h7 & 7#i7
 z p>agraphs 7#g7 & 7#h71 respectively4 
7,b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by
 subp>agraph 7,a7 %all be effective z if
 includ$ 9 title ,,ii ( ! ,pat5t ,law   
,treaties ,implem5tation ,act ( #bjab   
7,public ,law #aab-ba74  #aj4 ,effective
 date ,except z o!rwise provid$ 9 ?is   

,act1 ! provisions ( ?is ,act %all take 
effect on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is     
,act1 & %all apply to any pat5t issu$1  
or any action fil$1 on or aft] t date4  
,pass$ ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives        
,decemb] #e1 #bjac4;,cl]k4