SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/founder-patent-disclosure-grace

What U.S. grace period may cover an inventor's own public disclosure?

The U.S. exception can cover a disclosure made one year or less before filing.

Start playing free

  1. One year or less before filing ✔
  2. Five years after filing
  3. Until the patent issues

Why: A qualifying inventor-originated disclosure made one year or less before the effective filing date may be excepted as prior art in the United States. Foreign rights may follow stricter rules.

Huh, didn't know that: The U.S. exception also can cover a disclosure derived directly or indirectly from an inventor.

The dad joke
The inventor stopped oversharing because every idea needed a filing cabinet.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: One year or less before filing. A qualifying inventor-originated disclosure made one year or less before the effective filing date may be excepted as prior art in the United States. Foreign rights may follow stricter rules.

  1. Prior Art Exceptions Under 35 U.S.C. 102 www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s2153.html
    was made one year or less before the effective filing date of the claimed invention
    Checked 2026-10-11.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Starting and Running a BusinessHow can a profitable business still run out of cash?Starting and Running a BusinessWhich statement shows whether a business earned a profit?Starting and Running a BusinessWhat does cash flow measure?

That's stuff everyone should know.