How does 37 CFR 1.141 relate to restriction practice in patent applications?

37 CFR 1.141 is a key regulation that implements the statutory authority for restriction practice. It states:

“Two or more independent and distinct inventions may not be claimed in one national application.”

This regulation directly supports the restriction practice by prohibiting multiple independent and distinct inventions in a single application. It provides the basis for examiners to issue restriction requirements when they identify such situations in patent applications.

To learn more:

• 37 CFR 1.141
• restriction practice
• patent regulations
• independent and distinct inventions