reissue and extension
Definition
A reissue is when a patent owner goes back to the patent office to fix mistakes or broaden the claims in an already-granted patent. An extension gives a patent owner extra time beyond the normal patent period to make up for delays caused by government review processes.
Example
If you received a patent but later realized your original filing described your invention too narrowly, you could apply for a reissue to capture a wider scope of protection for your product.
Watch Out
Reissuing a patent opens the door for the patent office to scrutinize your entire patent again, which could result in losing some protections you already had.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.