Can inventorship be corrected after a patent has been granted?

Inventorship can indeed be corrected after a patent has been granted, but this is subject to specific regulatory requirements outlined in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) rules. Specifically, under 35 U.S.C. § 256, if an error in the naming of an inventor is made, it can be corrected by a certificate of correction or through a reissue application, provided that the correction is required to name the actual inventors.

This process ensures the integrity of the patent system, guaranteeing that the rightful inventors are credited for their contributions, while also maintaining a formal mechanism for recognizing and rectifying such errors. The requirements include providing a statement or declaration and meeting certain procedural steps, ensuring that the correction is documented and verified.

The other options do not accurately represent the legal provisions regarding inventorship corrections. It is not the case that corrections are entirely prohibited or that they require re-filing an entire application; rather, the pathway to correct inventorship exists and is detailed within the regulatory frameworks governing patent law.