Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

15 U.S.C. § 1069

Application of equitable principles in inter partes proceedings

In all inter partes proceedings equitable principles of laches, estoppel, and acquiescence, where applicable may be considered and applied.

July 5, 1946, ch. 54060 Stat. 434Pub. L. 93–596, § 188 Stat. 1949Pub. L. 100–667, title I, § 119102 Stat. 3941(, title I, § 19, ; , , ; , , .)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 100–6671988— struck out at end “The provisions of this section shall also govern proceedings heretofore begun in the Patent and Trademark Office and not finally determined.”

Pub. L. 93–5961975— substituted “Patent and Trademark Office” for “Patent Office”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–667section 136 of Pub. L. 100–667section 1051 of this titleAmendment by effective one year after , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1975 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–596section 4 of Pub. L. 93–596section 1111 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .

Repeal and Effect on Existing Rights

section 1051 of this titleRepeal of inconsistent provisions, effect of this chapter on pending proceedings and existing registrations and rights under prior acts, see notes set out under .

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

64 Stat. 1263For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Commerce, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Commerce, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 5 of 1950, §§ 1, 2, eff. , 15 F.R. 3174, , set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.