How does the USPTO define inventorship?

The USPTO defines inventorship as the individuals who contribute to the conception of the invention. This means that for someone to be considered an inventor, they must have played a significant role in the development of the idea that forms the basis of the patent application. Conception is the formation of the idea in the inventors' minds and is a crucial aspect of establishing who the true inventors are.

Identifying inventorship accurately is important for patent validity, as incorrect naming of inventors can lead to challenges in enforcing the patent rights. The definition helps clarify that merely providing support—financial or otherwise—does not qualify a person as an inventor unless they have contributed to the idea itself.

In contrast, other options like those who filed the patent, those who provided economic support, or the first person to submit the application do not capture the essence of inventorship as defined by the USPTO. The focus is specifically on the mental contribution to the invention itself rather than procedural involvement or economic backing.