35 U.S.C. 100   Definitions.

When used in this title unless the context otherwise indicates -

    • (a) The term "invention" means invention or discovery.
    • (b) The term "process" means process, art, or method, and includes a new use of a known process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, or material.
    • (c) The terms "United States" and "this country" mean the United States of America, its territories and possessions.
    • (d) The word "patentee" includes not only the patentee to whom the patent was issued but also the successors in title to the patentee.
    • (e) The term "third-party requester" means a person requesting ex parte reexamination under section 302  or inter partes reexamination under section 311  who is not the patent owner.

(Subsection (e) added Nov. 29, 1999, Public Law 106-113, sec. 1000(a)(9), 113 Stat. 1501A-567 (S. 1948 sec. 4603).)

[*Begin Editor's Note: 35 U.S.C. 100 (March 16, 2013)]

Effective March 16, 2013, 35 U.S.C. 100(e)-(j) will read as follows: