**Statutory Invention Registration (SIR) (35 U.S.C. § 157):** A publication of an invention by the USPTO without examination, having the legal effect of a U.S. patent reference for prior art purposes, but without the right to exclude others. Rarely used, but a minimalist alternative to full prosecution if the goal is solely to publish the invention and prevent others from patenting it later, rather than obtain exclusive rights. Requires filing a request for SIR along with the application.