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GLOSSARY OF USEFUL TERMS
AND ABBREVIATIONS
America Invents Act (AIA): Formally called the Leahy–Smith America Invents
Act, the AIA was signed into law on September 16, 2011 (the main provisions
became eective on March 16, 2013). It brought about a number of key changes
to the US patent laws, including changing the US patent system from a rst-
to-invent system to a rst-to-le system. e basic changes include an expanded
prior user rights defense, the elimination of tax strategy inventions, new post-
grant proceedings, changes in what constitutes “prior art,” and a revised fee
structure that now includes a new microentity applicant status that qualies for
reduced USPTO fees.
assertive licensor: A patent owner (or his or her representat