35 U.S.C. § 100
Section 100 · Definitions
Viewing 35 U.S.C. § 100 as in effect on July 19, 1952. The text changed in 2 later editions (most recent December 18, 2012).
View current version →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.
Editorial notes U.S. Code · Office of the Law Revision Counsel
Historical and Revision Notes
Paragraph (a) is added only to avoid repetition of the phrase “invention or discovery” and its derivatives throughout the revised title. The present statutes use the phrase “invention or discovery” and derivatives.
Paragraph (b) is noted under section 101.
Paragraphs (c) and (d) are added to avoid the use of long expressions in various parts of the revised title.