35 USC PART IV: PATENT COOPERATION TREATY

From Title 35—PATENTS

PART IV—PATENT COOPERATION TREATY

Chap.

Sec.

35.

Definitions

351

36.

International Stage

361

37.

National Stage

371

Editorial Notes

Codification

Analysis of chapters editorially supplied. Part IV added by Pub. L. 94–131 without adding analysis for chapters 35, 36, and 37.

Pub. L. 96–517 purported to amend the table of chapters of title 35 by adding after the item for chapter 37 the following: "38. Patent Rights in Inventions Made with Federal Assistance". Title 35 did not contain a table of chapters, and section 6(b) of Pub. L. 96–517 and the purported amendment made by it were repealed by Pub. L. 97–256. See chapter 18 (§200 et seq.) of this title.

CHAPTER 35—DEFINITIONS

Sec.

351.

Definitions.

§351. Definitions

When used in this part unless the context otherwise indicates—

(a) The term "treaty" means the Patent Cooperation Treaty done at Washington, on June 19, 1970.

(b) The term "Regulations", when capitalized, means the Regulations under the treaty, done at Washington on the same date as the treaty. The term "regulations", when not capitalized, means the regulations established by the Director under this title.

(d) The term "international application originating in the United States" means an international application filed in the Patent and Trademark Office when it is acting as a Receiving Office under the treaty, irrespective of whether or not the United States has been designated in that international application.

(e) The term "international application designating the United States" means an international application specifying the United States as a country in which a patent is sought, regardless where such international application is filed.

(f) The term "Receiving Office" means a national patent office or intergovernmental organization which receives and processes international applications as prescribed by the treaty and the Regulations.

(g) The terms "International Searching Authority" and "International Preliminary Examining Authority" mean a national patent office or intergovernmental organization as appointed under the treaty which processes international applications as prescribed by the treaty and the Regulations.

(h) The term "International Bureau" means the international intergovernmental organization which is recognized as the coordinating body under the treaty and the Regulations.

(i) Terms and expressions not defined in this part are to be taken in the sense indicated by the treaty and the Regulations.

(Added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 685; amended Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §403(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3392; Pub. L. 99–616, §2(a)–(c), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3485; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title III, §13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106–113. See 1999 Amendment note below.

1999—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106–113, as amended by Pub. L. 107–273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner".

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–616, §2(a), struck out ", excluding chapter II thereof" after "June 19, 1970".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–616, §2(b), struck out "excluding part C thereof" after "under the treaty".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–616, §2(c), substituted "The terms 'International Searching Authority' and 'International Preliminary Examining Authority' mean" for "The term 'International Searching Authority' means".

1984—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–622 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4731] of Pub. L. 106–113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–616, §9, Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3487, provided that: "Sections 2 through 8 of this Act [amending this section and sections 361, 362, 364, 368, 371, and 376 of this title] shall come into force on the same day as the effective date of entry into force of chapter II of the Patent Cooperation Treaty with respect to the United States, by virtue of the withdrawal of the declaration under article 64(1)(a) of the Patent Cooperation Treaty. It shall apply to all international applications pending before or after its effective date."

[The Patent Cooperation Treaty became effective for the United States on Jan. 24, 1978. The United States, however, was one of six countries (out of the 40 countries who have ratified or acceded to the Treaty) which had reservations not to be bound by Chapter II. The document removing the reservation as to Chapter II was deposited with the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization on Apr. 1, 1987. Accordingly, Chapter II of the Treaty for the United States of America and Pub. L. 99–616 became effective 3 months later on July 1, 1987. See 52 F.R. 20038, 20041, May 28, 1987.]

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §406(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3393, provided that: "Section 404 of this Act [set out as a note under section 41 of this title] and the amendments made by section 403 of this Act [amending this section and sections 104, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 367, 368, 371, 372, 373, and 376 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1984]."

Effective Date

Pub. L. 94–131, §11, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 692, provided that:

"(a) Section 1 of this Act [enacting this part] shall come into force on the same day as the entry into force of the Patent Cooperation Treaty with respect to the United States. It shall apply to international and national applications filed on and after this effective date, even though entitled to the benefit of an earlier filing date, and to patents issued on such applications.

"(b) Sections 2 to 10 of this Act [amending sections 6, 41, 42, 102, 104, 112, 113, 120, and 282 of this title] shall take effect on the same day as section 1 of this Act [enacting this part] and shall apply to all applications for patent actually filed in the United States on and after this effective date, as well as to international applications where applicable.

"(c) Applications for patent on file in the Patent Office [now the Patent and Trademark Office] on the effective date of this Act, and patents issued on such applications, shall be governed by the provisions of title 35, United States Code, in effect immediately prior to the effective date of this Act."

[The Patent Cooperation Treaty entered into force with respect to the United States on Jan. 24, 1978, with the exception of Chapter II.]

Short Title of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–616, §1, Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3485, provided: "That this Act [amending this section and sections 361, 362, 364, 368, 371, and 376 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note above] may be cited as the 'Act to authorize the United States to participate in chapter II of the Patent Cooperation Treaty'."

CHAPTER 36—INTERNATIONAL STAGE

Sec.

361.

Receiving Office.

362.

International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority.

363.

International application designating the United States: Effect.

364.

International stage: Procedure.

365.

Right of priority; benefit of the filing date of a prior application.

366.

Withdrawn international application.

367.

Actions of other authorities: Review.

368.

Secrecy of certain inventions; filing international applications in foreign countries.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1986—Pub. L. 99–616, §3, Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3485, amended item 362 generally.

§361. Receiving Office

(a) The Patent and Trademark Office shall act as a Receiving Office for international applications filed by nationals or residents of the United States. In accordance with any agreement made between the United States and another country, the Patent and Trademark Office may also act as a Receiving Office for international applications filed by residents or nationals of such country who are entitled to file international applications.

(b) The Patent and Trademark Office shall perform all acts connected with the discharge of duties required of a Receiving Office, including the collection of international fees and their transmittal to the International Bureau.

(c) International applications filed in the Patent and Trademark Office shall be filed in the English language, or an English translation shall be filed within such later time as may be fixed by the Director.

(d) The international fee, and the transmittal and search fees prescribed under section 376(a) of this part, shall either be paid on filing of an international application or within such later time as may be fixed by the Director.

(Added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 686; amended Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §§401(a), 403(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3391, 3392; Pub. L. 99–616, §2(d), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3485; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title III, §13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906; Pub. L. 112–211, title II, §202(b)(7), Dec. 18, 2012, 126 Stat. 1536.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2012—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–211 added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which read as follows: "International applications filed in the Patent and Trademark Office shall be in the English language."

2002—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107–273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106–113. See 1999 Amendment note below.

1999—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–113, as amended by Pub. L. 107–273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner".

1986—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–616 amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) read as follows: "The basic fee portion of the international fee, and the transmittal and search fees prescribed under section 376(a) of this part, shall be paid on filing of an international application or within one month after the date of such filing. Payment of designation fees may be made on filing and shall be made not later than one year from the priority date of the international application."

1984—Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 98–622, §403(a), substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–622, §401(a), inserted "or within one month after the date of such filing" after "application".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–211 effective on the date that is 1 year after Dec. 18, 2012, applicable to patents issued before, on, or after that effective date and patent applications pending on or filed after that effective date, and not effective with respect to patents in litigation commenced before that effective date, see section 203 of Pub. L. 112–211, set out as an Effective Date note under section 27 of this title.

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4731] of Pub. L. 106–113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–616 effective July 1, 1987, and applicable to all international applications pending before or after that date, see section 9 of Pub. L. 99–616, set out as a note under section 351 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by section 401(a) of Pub. L. 98–622 effective six months after Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(b) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 3 of this title.

Amendment by section 403(a) of Pub. L. 98–622 effective Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(a) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 351 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Jan. 24, 1978, and applicable to international and national applications filed on and after that date, see section 11 of Pub. L. 94–131, set out as a note under section 351 of this title.

§362. International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority

(a) The Patent and Trademark Office may act as an International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority with respect to international applications in accordance with the terms and conditions of an agreement which may be concluded with the International Bureau, and may discharge all duties required of such Authorities, including the collection of handling fees and their transmittal to the International Bureau.

(b) The handling fee, preliminary examination fee, and any additional fees due for international preliminary examination shall be paid within such time as may be fixed by the Director.

(Added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 686; amended Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §403(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3392; Pub. L. 99–616, §4, Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3485; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title III, §13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106–113. See 1999 Amendment note below.

1999—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106–113, as amended by Pub. L. 107–273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner".

1986—Pub. L. 99–616 inserted "and International Preliminary Examining Authority" in section catchline and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Patent and Trademark Office may act as an International Searching Authority with respect to international applications in accordance with the terms and conditions of an agreement which may be concluded with the International Bureau."

1984—Pub. L. 98–622 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4731] of Pub. L. 106–113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–622 effective Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(a) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 351 of this title.

Effective Date

§363. International application designating the United States: Effect

An international application designating the United States shall have the effect, from its international filing date under article 11 of the treaty, of a national application for patent regularly filed in the Patent and Trademark Office.

(Added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 686; amended Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §403(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3392; Pub. L. 112–29, §§3(g)(3), 20(j), Sept. 16, 2011, 125 Stat. 288, 335.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Pub. L. 112–29, §20(j), struck out "of this title" after "102(e)".

Pub. L. 112–29, §3(g)(3), which directed the striking out of "except as otherwise provided in section 102(e) of this title", was executed by striking out "except as otherwise provided in section 102(e)" before period at end, to reflect the probable intent of Congress, because the words "of this title" did not appear subsequent to amendment by Pub. L. 112–29, §20(j). See note above and Effective Date of 2011 Amendment notes below.

1984—Pub. L. 98–622 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Amendment by section 3(g)(3) of Pub. L. 112–29 effective upon the expiration of the 18-month period beginning on Sept. 16, 2011, and applicable to certain applications for patent and any patents issuing thereon, see section 3(n) of Pub. L. 112–29, set out as an Effective Date of 2011 Amendment; Savings Provisions note under section 100 of this title.

Amendment by section 20(j) of Pub. L. 112–29 effective upon the expiration of the 1-year period beginning on Sept. 16, 2011, and applicable to proceedings commenced on or after that effective date, see section 20(l) of Pub. L. 112–29, set out as a note under section 2 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–622 effective Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(a) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 351 of this title.

Effective Date

§364. International stage: Procedure

(a) International applications shall be processed by the Patent and Trademark Office when acting as a Receiving Office, International Searching Authority, or International Preliminary Examining Authority, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the treaty, the Regulations, and this title.

(b) An applicant's failure to act within prescribed time limits in connection with requirements pertaining to an international application may be excused as provided in the treaty and the Regulations.

(Added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 686; amended Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §403(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3392; Pub. L. 99–616, §5, Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3485; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title III, §13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906; Pub. L. 112–211, title II, §202(b)(8), Dec. 18, 2012, 126 Stat. 1536.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2012—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–211 added subsec. (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows: "An applicant's failure to act within prescribed time limits in connection with requirements pertaining to a pending international application may be excused upon a showing satisfactory to the Director of unavoidable delay, to the extent not precluded by the treaty and the Regulations, and provided the conditions imposed by the treaty and the Regulations regarding the excuse of such failure to act are complied with."

2002—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106–113. See 1999 Amendment note below.

1999—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106–113, as amended by Pub. L. 107–273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner".

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–616 substituted a comma for "or" before "International Searching Authority" and "International Preliminary Examining Authority" for "both".

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–622 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4731] of Pub. L. 106–113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–622 effective Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(a) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 351 of this title.

Effective Date

§365. Right of priority; benefit of the filing date of a prior application

(a) In accordance with the conditions and requirements of subsections (a) through (d) of section 119, a national application shall be entitled to the right of priority based on a prior filed international application which designated at least one country other than the United States.

(b) In accordance with the conditions and requirement of section 119(a) and the treaty and the Regulations, an international application designating the United States shall be entitled to the right of priority based on a prior foreign application, or a prior international application designating at least one country other than the United States. The Director may establish procedures, including the requirement for payment of the fee specified in section 41(a)(7), to accept an unintentionally delayed claim for priority under the treaty and the Regulations, and to accept a priority claim that pertains to an application that was not filed within the priority period specified in the treaty and Regulations, but was filed within the additional 2-month period specified under section 119(a) or the treaty and Regulations.

(c) In accordance with the conditions and requirements of section 120, an international application designating the United States shall be entitled to the benefit of the filing date of a prior national application, a prior international application designating the United States, or a prior international design application as defined in section 381(a)(6) designating the United States, and a national application shall be entitled to the benefit of the filing date of a prior international application designating the United States. If any claim for the benefit of an earlier filing date is based on a prior international application which designated but did not originate in the United States or a prior international design application as defined in section 381(a)(6) which designated but did not originate in the United States, the Director may require the filing in the Patent and Trademark Office of a certified copy of such application together with a translation thereof into the English language, if it was filed in another language.

(Added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 686; amended Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §403(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3392; Pub. L. 103–465, title V, §532(c)(4), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4987; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title III, §13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906; Pub. L. 112–29, §20(j), Sept. 16, 2011, 125 Stat. 335; Pub. L. 112–211, title I, §102(8), title II, §201(c)(2), Dec. 18, 2012, 126 Stat. 1532, 1535.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2012—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–211, §201(c)(2), inserted at end "The Director may establish procedures, including the requirement for payment of the fee specified in section 41(a)(7), to accept an unintentionally delayed claim for priority under the treaty and the Regulations, and to accept a priority claim that pertains to an application that was not filed within the priority period specified in the treaty and Regulations, but was filed within the additional 2-month period specified under section 119(a) or the treaty and Regulations."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–211, §102(8), substituted ", a prior international application designating the United States, or a prior international design application as defined in section 381(a)(6) designating the United States" for "or a prior international application designating the United States" and inserted "or a prior international design application as defined in section 381(a)(6) which designated but did not originate in the United States" after "did not originate in the United States".

2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–29 struck out "of this title" after "119".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–29 struck out "of this title" after "119(a)".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–29 struck out "of this title" after "120".

2002—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106–113. See 1999 Amendment note below.

1999—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–113, as amended by Pub. L. 107–273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner".

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–465, §532(c)(4)(A), substituted "subsections (a) through (d) of section 119" for "section 119".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–465, §532(c)(4)(B), substituted "section 119(a)" for "the first paragraph of section 119".

1984—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–622 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by section 102(8) of Pub. L. 112–211 effective on the later of the date that is 1 year after Dec. 18, 2012, or the date that the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs enters into force with respect to the United States (May 13, 2015), and applicable only to certain applications filed on and after that effective date and patents issuing thereon, see section 103 of Pub. L. 112–211, set out as a note under section 100 of this title.

Amendment by section 201(c)(2) of Pub. L. 112–211 effective on the date that is 1 year after Dec. 18, 2012, applicable to patents issued before, on, or after that effective date and patent applications pending on or filed after that effective date, and not effective with respect to patents in litigation commenced before that effective date, see section 203 of Pub. L. 112–211, set out as an Effective Date note under section 27 of this title.

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–29 effective upon the expiration of the 1-year period beginning on Sept. 16, 2011, and applicable to proceedings commenced on or after that effective date, see section 20(l) of Pub. L. 112–29, set out as a note under section 2 of this title.

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4731] of Pub. L. 106–113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–465 effective 6 months after Dec. 8, 1994, and applicable to all patent applications filed in the United States on or after that effective date, with provisions relating to earliest filed patent application, see section 534(b)(1), (3) of Pub. L. 103–465, set out as a note under section 154 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–622 effective Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(a) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 351 of this title.

Effective Date

§366. Withdrawn international application

Subject to section 367 of this part, if an international application designating the United States is withdrawn or considered withdrawn, either generally or as to the United States, under the conditions of the treaty and the Regulations, before the applicant has complied with the applicable requirements prescribed by section 371(c) of this part, the designation of the United States shall have no effect after the date of withdrawal, and shall be considered as not having been made, unless a claim for benefit of a prior filing date under section 365(c) of this section ¹ was made in a national application, or an international application designating the United States, or a claim for benefit under section 386(c) was made in an international design application designating the United States, filed before the date of such withdrawal. However, such withdrawn international application may serve as the basis for a claim of priority under section 365(a) and (b), or under section 386(a) or (b), if it designated a country other than the United States.

(Added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 687; amended Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §401(b), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3391; Pub. L. 112–211, title I, §102(9), Dec. 18, 2012, 126 Stat. 1532.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2012—Pub. L. 112–211 substituted "unless a claim for benefit of a prior filing date under section 365(c) of this section was made in a national application, or an international application designating the United States, or a claim for benefit under section 386(c) was made in an international design application designating the United States, filed before the date of such withdrawal." for "unless a claim for the benefit of a prior filing date under section 365(c) of this part was made in a national application, or an international application designating the United States, filed before the date of such withdrawal." and "However, such withdrawn international application may serve as the basis for a claim of priority under section 365(a) and (b), or under section 386(a) or (b), if it designated a country other than the United States." for "However, such withdrawn international application may serve as the basis for a claim of priority under section 365(a) and (b) of this part, if it designated a country other than the United States."

1984—Pub. L. 98–622 inserted "after the date of withdrawal," after "effect" and ", unless a claim for the benefit of a prior filing date under section 365(c) of this part was made in a national application, or an international application designating the United States, filed before the date of such withdrawal" after "having been made" in first sentence, and inserted "withdrawn" after "such" in second sentence.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–211 effective on the later of the date that is 1 year after Dec. 18, 2012, or the date that the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs enters into force with respect to the United States (May 13, 2015), and applicable only to certain applications filed on and after that effective date and patents issuing thereon, see section 103 of Pub. L. 112–211, set out as a note under section 100 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–622 effective six months after Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(b) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 3 of this title.

Effective Date

¹ So in original.

§367. Actions of other authorities: Review

(a) Where a Receiving Office other than the Patent and Trademark Office has refused to accord an international filing date to an international application designating the United States or where it has held such application to be withdrawn either generally or as to the United States, the applicant may request review of the matter by the Director, on compliance with the requirements of and within the time limits specified by the treaty and the Regulations. Such review may result in a determination that such application be considered as pending in the national stage.

(b) The review under subsection (a) of this section, subject to the same requirements and conditions, may also be requested in those instances where an international application designating the United States is considered withdrawn due to a finding by the International Bureau under article 12(3) of the treaty.

(Added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 687; amended Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §403(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3392; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title III, §13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106–113. See 1999 Amendment note below.

1999—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–113, as amended by Pub. L. 107–273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner".

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–622 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4731] of Pub. L. 106–113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–622 effective Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(a) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 351 of this title.

Effective Date

§368. Secrecy of certain inventions; filing international applications in foreign countries

(a) International applications filed in the Patent and Trademark Office shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 17.

(b) In accordance with article 27(8) of the treaty, the filing of an international application in a country other than the United States on the invention made in this country shall be considered to constitute the filing of an application in a foreign country within the meaning of chapter 17, whether or not the United States is designated in that international application.

(c) If a license to file in a foreign country is refused or if an international application is ordered to be kept secret and a permit refused, the Patent and Trademark Office when acting as a Receiving Office, International Searching Authority, or International Preliminary Examining Authority, may not disclose the contents of such application to anyone not authorized to receive such disclosure.

(Added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 687; amended Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §403(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3392; Pub. L. 99–616, §6, Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3486; Pub. L. 112–29, §20(j), Sept. 16, 2011, 125 Stat. 335.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 112–29 struck out "of this title" after "17".

1986—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–616 substituted a comma for "or" after "Receiving Office" and "International Preliminary Examining Authority" for "both".

1984—Subsecs. (a), (c). Pub. L. 98–622 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–622 effective Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(a) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 351 of this title.

Effective Date

CHAPTER 37—NATIONAL STAGE

Sec.

371.

National stage: Commencement.

372.

National stage: Requirements and procedure.

[373.

Repealed.]

374.

Publication of international application.

375.

Patent issued on international application: Effect.

376.

Fees.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2013—Pub. L. 112–274, §1(i), Jan. 14, 2013, 126 Stat. 2457, struck out item 373 "Improper applicant".

1999—Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4507(12)], as added by Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title III, §13205(2)(F), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1903, substituted "Publication of international application" for "Publication of international application: Effect" in item 374.

§371. National stage: Commencement

(a) Receipt from the International Bureau of copies of international applications with any amendments to the claims, international search reports, and international preliminary examination reports including any annexes thereto may be required in the case of international applications designating or electing the United States.

(b) Subject to subsection (f) of this section, the national stage shall commence with the expiration of the applicable time limit under article 22(1) or (2), or under article 39(1)(a) of the treaty.

(1) the national fee provided in section 41(a);

(2) a copy of the international application, unless not required under subsection (a) of this section or already communicated by the International Bureau, and a translation into the English language of the international application, if it was filed in another language;

(3) amendments, if any, to the claims in the international application, made under article 19 of the treaty, unless such amendments have been communicated to the Patent and Trademark Office by the International Bureau, and a translation into the English language if such amendments were made in another language;

(4) an oath or declaration of the inventor (or other person authorized under chapter 11) complying with the requirements of section 115 and with regulations prescribed for oaths or declarations of applicants;

(5) a translation into the English language of any annexes to the international preliminary examination report, if such annexes were made in another language.

(d) The requirements with respect to the national fee referred to in subsection (c)(1), the translation referred to in subsection (c)(2), and the oath or declaration referred to in subsection (c)(4) of this section shall be complied with by the date of the commencement of the national stage or by such later time as may be fixed by the Director. The copy of the international application referred to in subsection (c)(2) shall be submitted by the date of the commencement of the national stage. Failure to comply with these requirements shall be regarded as abandonment of the application by the parties thereof. The payment of a surcharge may be required as a condition of accepting the national fee referred to in subsection (c)(1) or the oath or declaration referred to in subsection (c)(4) of this section if these requirements are not met by the date of the commencement of the national stage. The requirements of subsection (c)(3) of this section shall be complied with by the date of the commencement of the national stage, and failure to do so shall be regarded as a cancellation of the amendments to the claims in the international application made under article 19 of the treaty. The requirement of subsection (c)(5) shall be complied with at such time as may be fixed by the Director and failure to do so shall be regarded as cancellation of the amendments made under article 34(2)(b) of the treaty.

(e) After an international application has entered the national stage, no patent may be granted or refused thereon before the expiration of the applicable time limit under article 28 or article 41 of the treaty, except with the express consent of the applicant. The applicant may present amendments to the specification, claims and drawings of the application after the national stage has commenced.

(f) At the express request of the applicant, the national stage of processing may be commenced at any time at which the application is in order for such purpose and the applicable requirements of subsection (c) of this section have been complied with.

(Added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 688; amended Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §§402(a)–(d), 403(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3391, 3392; Pub. L. 99–616, §7, Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3486; Pub. L. 102–204, §5(g)(2), Dec. 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 1641; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title III, §13206(a)(20), (b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1905, 1906; Pub. L. 112–29, §20(i)(5), (j), Sept. 16, 2011, 125 Stat. 335; Pub. L. 112–211, title II, §202(b)(9), Dec. 18, 2012, 126 Stat. 1536.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2012—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–211 struck out ", unless it be shown to the satisfaction of the Director that such failure to comply was unavoidable" after "by the parties thereof".

2011—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–29, §20(i)(5), substituted "of the treaty." for "of the treaty".

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 112–29, §20(j), struck out "of this title" after "41(a)".

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 112–29, §20(j), struck out "of this title" after "11" and after "115".

2002—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107–273, §13206(b)(1)(B), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106–113. See 1999 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 107–273, §13206(a)(20), inserted period at end.

1999—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–113, as amended by Pub. L. 107–273, §13206(b)(1)(B), substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing.

1991—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–204 substituted "provided in section 41(a) of this title" for "prescribed under section 376(a)(4) of this part".

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–616, §7(a), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "Receipt from the International Bureau of copies of international applications with amendments to the claims, if any, and international search reports may be required in the case of all international applications designating the United States."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–616, §7(b), amended subsec. (b) generally, substituting ", or under article 39(1)(a) of the treaty" for "of the treaty."

Subsec. (c)(4), (5). Pub. L. 99–616, §7(c), (d), substituted a semicolon for a period at end of par. (4) and added par. (5).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–616, §7(e), inserted "The requirement of subsection (c)(5) shall be complied with at such time as may be fixed by the Commissioner and failure to do so shall be regarded as cancellation of the amendments made under article 34(2)(b) of the treaty" at end.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–616, §7(f), inserted "or article 41" after "article 28".

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–622, §402(a), substituted "may be" for "is" and struck out ", except those filed in the Patent Office" after "United States", which amendment was executed by striking out ", except those filed in the Patent and Trademark Office" as the probable intent of Congress in view of the amendment by section 403(a) of Pub. L. 98–622. See Effective Date of 1984 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 98–622, §403(a), substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–622 struck out ", at which time the applicant shall have complied with the applicable requirements specified in subsection (c) of this section" after "of the treaty".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–622, §403(a), substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office" in provisions preceding par. (1) and in par. (3).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 98–622, §402(c)(1), (2), substituted "communicated by" for "received from" and struck out "verified" before "translation".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–622, §402(d), substituted provisions setting forth time periods for compliance with the requirements of subsec. (c), payments of surcharges, and the effect of failure to comply for provisions related only to the effect of failure to comply with the requirements of subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4731] of Pub. L. 106–113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by section 402(a)–(d) of Pub. L. 98–622 effective six months after Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(b) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 3 of this title.

Amendment by section 403(a) of Pub. L. 98–622 effective Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(a) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 351 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Jan. 24, 1978, and applicable to international and national applications filed, on and after that date, see section 11 of Pub. L. 94–131, set out as a note under section 351 of this title.

§372. National stage: Requirements and procedure

(a) All questions of substance and, within the scope of the requirements of the treaty and Regulations, procedure in an international application designating the United States shall be determined as in the case of national applications regularly filed in the Patent and Trademark Office.

(b) In case of international applications designating but not originating in, the United States—

(1) the Director may cause to be reexamined questions relating to form and contents of the application in accordance with the requirements of the treaty and the Regulations;

(2) the Director may cause the question of unity of invention to be reexamined under section 121, within the scope of the requirements of the treaty and the Regulations; and

(3) the Director may require a verification of the translation of the international application or any other document pertaining to the application if the application or other document was filed in a language other than English.

(Added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 689; amended Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §§402(e), (f), 403(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3392; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title III, §13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906; Pub. L. 112–29, §20(j), Sept. 16, 2011, 125 Stat. 335.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 112–29 struck out "of this title" after "121".

2002—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106–113. See 1999 Amendment note below.

1999—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106–113, as amended by Pub. L. 107–273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing.

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–622, §403(a), substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 98–622, §402(e), added par. (3).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–622, §402(f), struck out subsec. (c) which related to cancellation of claims and payment of special fees.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4731] of Pub. L. 106–113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by section 402(e), (f) of Pub. L. 98–622 effective six months after Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(b) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 3 of this title.

Amendment by section 403(a) of Pub. L. 98–622 effective Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(a) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 351 of this title.

Effective Date

[§373. Repealed. Pub. L. 112–274, §1(i), Jan. 14, 2013, 126 Stat. 2457]

Section, added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 689; amended Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §403(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3392; Pub. L. 103–465, title V, §532(c)(5), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4987; Pub. L. 112–29, §20(j), Sept. 16, 2011, 125 Stat. 335, related to improper applicant.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective Jan. 14, 2013, and applicable to proceedings commenced on or after such date, see section 1(n) of Pub. L. 112–274, set out as an Effective Date of 2013 Amendment note under section 5 of this title.

§374. Publication of international application

The publication under the treaty defined in section 351(a), of an international application designating the United States shall be deemed a publication under section 122(b), except as provided in section 154(d).

(Added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 689; amended Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4507(10)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-566; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title III, §13205(2)(E), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1903; Pub. L. 112–29, §§3(g)(4), 20(j), Sept. 16, 2011, 125 Stat. 288, 335.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Pub. L. 112–29, §20(j), struck out "of this title" after "351(a)" and after "and 154(d)".

Pub. L. 112–29, §3(g)(4), substituted "section 154(d)" for "sections 102(e) and 154(d)".

2002—Pub. L. 107–273 amended Pub. L. 106–113, §1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4507(10)], see 1999 Amendment note below. Prior to being amended by Pub. L. 107–273, Pub. L. 106–113, §1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4507(10)], had amended this section to read as follows: "The publication under the treaty defined in section 351(a) of this title, of an international application designating the United States shall confer the same rights and shall have the same effect under this title as an application for patent published under section 122(b), except as provided in sections 102(e) and 154(d) of this title."

1999—Pub. L. 106–113, as amended by Pub. L. 107–273, amended section catchline and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The publication under the treaty of an international application shall confer no rights and shall have no effect under this title other than that of a printed publication."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Amendment by section 3(g)(4) of Pub. L. 112–29 effective upon the expiration of the 18-month period beginning on Sept. 16, 2011, and applicable to certain applications for patent and any patents issuing thereon, see section 3(n) of Pub. L. 112–29, set out as an Effective Date of 2011 Amendment; Savings Provisions note under section 100 of this title.

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–113 effective Nov. 29, 2000, and applicable only to applications (including international applications designating the United States) filed on or after that date, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4508] of Pub. L. 106–113, as amended, set out as a note under section 10 of this title.

Effective Date

§375. Patent issued on international application: Effect

(a) A patent may be issued by the Director based on an international application designating the United States, in accordance with the provisions of this title. Such patent shall have the force and effect of a patent issued on a national application filed under the provisions of chapter 11.

(b) Where due to an incorrect translation the scope of a patent granted on an international application designating the United States, which was not originally filed in the English language, exceeds the scope of the international application in its original language, a court of competent jurisdiction may retroactively limit the scope of the patent, by declaring it unenforceable to the extent that it exceeds the scope of the international application in its original language.

(Added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 689; amended Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title III, §13206(b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1906; Pub. L. 112–29, §§3(g)(5), 20(j), Sept. 16, 2011, 125 Stat. 288, 335.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–29, §20(j), struck out "of this title" after "102(e)" and after "11".

Pub. L. 112–29, §3(g)(5), which directed substitution of "Such" for "Subject to section 102(e) of this title, such", was executed by making the substitution for "Subject to section 102(e), such", to reflect the probable intent of Congress, because the words "of this title" did not appear after "section 102(e)" subsequent to amendment by Pub. L. 112–29, §20(j). See note above and Effective Date of 2011 Amendment notes below.

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–273 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106–113. See 1999 Amendment note below.

1999—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–113, as amended by Pub. L. 107–273, substituted "Director" for "Commissioner".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Amendment by section 3(g)(5) of Pub. L. 112–29 effective upon the expiration of the 18-month period beginning on Sept. 16, 2011, and applicable to certain applications for patent and any patents issuing thereon, see section 3(n) of Pub. L. 112–29, set out as an Effective Date of 2011 Amendment; Savings Provisions note under section 100 of this title.

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4731] of Pub. L. 106–113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date

§376. Fees

(a) The required payment of the international fee and the handling fee, which amounts are specified in the Regulations, shall be paid in United States currency. The Patent and Trademark Office shall charge a national fee as provided in section 41(a), and may also charge the following fees:

(1) A transmittal fee (see section 361(d)).

(2) A search fee (see section 361(d)).

(3) A supplemental search fee (to be paid when required).

(4) A preliminary examination fee and any additional fees (see section 362(b)).

(5) Such other fees as established by the Director.

(b) The amounts of fees specified in subsection (a) of this section, except the international fee and the handling fee, shall be prescribed by the Director. He may refund any sum paid by mistake or in excess of the fees so specified, or if required under the treaty and the Regulations. The Director may also refund any part of the search fee, the national fee, the preliminary examination fee, and any additional fees, where he determines such refund to be warranted.

(Added Pub. L. 94–131, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 690; amended Pub. L. 98–622, title IV, §§402(g), 403(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3392; Pub. L. 99–616, §8, Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3486; Pub. L. 102–204, §5(g)(1), Dec. 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 1640; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4732(a)(10)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-582; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title III, §13206(a)(21), (b)(1)(B), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1905, 1906.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (a)(1) to (3). Pub. L. 107–273, §13206(a)(21), substituted period for semicolon at end.

Subsecs. (a)(5), (b). Pub. L. 107–273, §13206(b)(1)(B), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 106–113. See 1999 Amendment note below.

1999—Subsecs. (a)(5), (b). Pub. L. 106–113, as amended by Pub. L. 107–273, §13206(b)(1)(B), substituted "Director" for "Commissioner" wherever appearing.

1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–204, §5(g)(1)(A), in introductory provisions inserted "shall charge a national fee as provided in section 41(a), and" after "Office", redesignated pars. (5) and (6) as (4) and (5), respectively, and struck out former par. (4), which read as follows: "A national fee (see section 371(c));".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–204, §5(g)(1)(B), substituted "the national fee, the preliminary examination fee," for "the preliminary examination fee".

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–616, §8(a), in introductory provisions, inserted "and the handling fee" and substituted "amounts are" for "amount is", added par. (5), and redesignated former par. (5) as (6).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–616, §8(b), inserted "and the handling fee" and "the preliminary examination fee and any additional fees,".

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–622, §403(a), substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office" in provision preceding par. (1).

Subsec. (a)(5), (6). Pub. L. 98–622, §402(g), redesignated par. (6) as (5). Former par. (5), which read "A special fee (to be paid when required; see section 372(c))", was struck out.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–113 effective 4 months after Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(9) [title IV, §4731] of Pub. L. 106–113, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by section 402(g) of Pub. L. 98–622 effective six months after Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(b) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 3 of this title.

Amendment by section 403(a) of Pub. L. 98–622 effective Nov. 8, 1984, see section 406(a) of Pub. L. 98–622, set out as a note under section 351 of this title.