What is the duration of the inventor's grace period for disclosures under AIA?

The duration of the inventor's grace period for disclosures under the America Invents Act (AIA) is indeed one year. This grace period allows an inventor to disclose their invention without jeopardizing their opportunity to obtain a patent, as long as the patent application is filed within one year of that disclosure.

This provision is significant because it provides inventors with a safety net to test the market, present their invention publicly, or seek funding without losing their patent rights. The one-year grace period applies specifically to disclosures made by the inventor themselves or by others who obtained the information directly or indirectly from the inventor.

Thus, if an inventor publicly discloses an invention, they must file for a patent within one year from the date of that disclosure to retain their rights to the invention. Understanding this grace period is crucial for anyone involved in the patenting process, as it informs strategic decisions regarding the timing of disclosures and patent applications.