2.4 Some examples of determining priority dates
P1 is the earliest application of the same applicant containing the invention. EP claims the priority of the later US application P2, which is a "continuation-in-part" of P1. D is a public disclosure of A+B.
1.7.89 |
1.1.90 |
1.6.90 |
1.12.90 |
Filing |
Filing |
Publication |
Filing |
P1 |
P2 (cip) |
D |
EP |
A + B |
A + B |
A + B |
claim 1: A + B |
A + B + C |
claim 2: A + B + C |
The priority claim of P2 for claim 1 is not valid as P2 is not the "first application" for this subject-matter within the meaning of Art. 87(1), but P1 is, which has "left rights outstanding" in that P2 is a "continuation-in-part" thereof. Therefore Art. 87(4) does not apply and this is not altered by an abandonment, withdrawal, refusal or non-publication of P1. D is prior art pursuant to Art. 54(2) against claim 1, but not against claim 2, as the latter claim has the earlier priority of P2.