Legal Definitions - antlike persistency

Definition: Antlike persistency is a term used in patents to describe the persistent efforts of a patent solicitor to wear down the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office until they eventually approve the patent claims. This term was coined by Judge Learned Hand in 1924.

Example: A patent solicitor submits a patent application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, but the application is rejected. The solicitor then files an appeal and continues to submit additional arguments and evidence to support the patent claims. This process can go on for months or even years until the Patent Office eventually approves the patent claims due to the solicitor's antlike persistency.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a patent solicitor can use antlike persistency to wear down the Patent Office and eventually get their patent claims approved. The solicitor's persistent efforts are compared to the tenacity of ants, who are known for their hard work and determination. This term has a negative connotation because it implies that the solicitor is being overly persistent and may be trying to manipulate the system to get their patent approved.