Virtual Marking

Overview

Section 16 of the America Invents Act allows patent owners to mark a patented article with an internet address that makes available the patent numbers for the article. To study the effects of this virtual marking, Congress has required the Office to submit a report no later than 3 years after the enactment of the AIA.

The report must include an examination of the following issues: 1) the effectiveness of virtual marking; 2) whether virtual marking improves the ability of the general public to access information about patents; 3) the legal issues that arise from virtual marking; and 4) the deficiencies of virtual marking.

Upcoming Events/Key Dates

This report must be submitted to Congress by September 16, 2014.