35 U.S.C. § 100 : US Code - Section 100: Definitions

Search 35 U.S.C. § 100 : US Code - Section 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.