What happens if an amendment is inadvertently entered by technical support staff?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. If technical support staff inadvertently enters an amendment that should not have been entered, it has no legal effect. The MPEP 714.21 states: If the technical support staff inadvertently enters an amendment when it should not have been entered, such entry is of no legal effect, and the same action is taken as if the changes had not been actually made, inasmuch as they have not been legally made. In essence, the situation is treated as if the changes were never made, preserving the original state of the application. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Manner of Making Amendments in Application MPEP 714 Each Section of an Amendment Must Begin on a Separate Sheet MPEP 714 Required Amendments In Reissue Must Follow §1.173 MPEP 714 Required Amendments in Ex Parte Reexamination MPEP 714 Inadvertent Amendment Not Officially Entered MPEP 714.21 Recommended Amendments Must Be Placed In Provisional File MPEP 714 Prohibited Claims Must Include All Previous Versions MPEP 714 Required Applicant Must Be Informed of Amended Entries MPEP 714 Recommended Amendments Not Usually Made in Provisional Applications MPEP 714 Amendments Must Be Recorded But Not Entered MPEP 714 Prohibited Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can an amendment be denied entry in a patent application? What is the procedure for handling amendatory papers that are not entered? How are inadvertently entered amendments marked in patent applications? What does MPEP 714.21 cover? What happens if an amendment under 37 CFR 1.312 adds claims exceeding the previously paid number?