Background

The final form of US Patent Law reform legislation (in the form of the “America Invents Act”) has finally been enacted. On September 16, 2011 President Obama signed Bill HR 1249 which had previously been passed by The House of Representatives and the Senate.

The main features of the new law will for the most part will take effect one year after enactment. However, a few provisions come into effect immediately and others only eighteen months after enactment. The date on which a provision comes into effect is noted at the end of each of the following sections. If no date is indicated, the date on which the provision becomes effective is one year from enactment.

The main provisions of the new law are as follows...