When can an examiner change the title of a patent application?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

An examiner can change the title of a patent application at various stages of the examination process. According to MPEP 606.01, “If a satisfactory title is not supplied by the applicant, the examiner may, at the time of allowance, change the title by an examiner’s amendment.” This typically occurs when the original title is not descriptive of the claimed invention, and the applicant has not provided a suitable alternative.

Topics: Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: patent examination