What is the preferred order of arrangement for a patent specification?
The MPEP provides guidelines for the preferred order of arrangement in framing a patent specification. While not mandatory, following this order can help organize the application effectively:
- Title of the invention
- Cross-reference to related applications
- Statement regarding federally sponsored research or development
- Background of the invention
- Brief summary of the invention
- Brief description of the several views of the drawing
- Detailed description of the invention
- Claims
- Abstract of the disclosure
The MPEP states: “The following order of arrangement is preferable in framing the specification. See also MPEP § 608.01(a). Each of the lettered items should appear in upper case, without underlining or bold type, as section headings.”
For more detailed information on the specification arrangement, refer to MPEP § 608.01(a).
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Topics:
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure