
      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.

Last modified: April 19, 2006