What is the difference between species and restriction requirements?

Species and restriction requirements are related but distinct concepts in patent examination:

• Restriction requirement: Applies when an application contains claims to two or more independent or distinct inventions.
• Species requirement: A type of restriction requirement that applies when an application contains claims to two or more patentably distinct embodiments within a single invention.

According to MPEP 808.01(a), “Where restriction between species is appropriate, the examiner should send a letter including only a restriction requirement.” This indicates that a species requirement is a specific form of restriction requirement focused on distinct embodiments within a single inventive concept.

To learn more:

• species requirement
• restriction requirement
• patent examination
• distinct embodiments