How is Box No. V used in the International Preliminary Examination Report?
Box No. V in the International Preliminary Examination Report (IPER) is a crucial section that addresses the patentability criteria. According to MPEP 1879:
“In Box No. V, the examiner must list in summary form all claims with respect to the criteria of novelty, inventive step (non-obviousness), and industrial applicability.”
The examiner uses this box to provide a reasoned statement regarding:
- Novelty (N): Whether the claimed invention is new.
- Inventive Step (IS): Whether the claimed invention involves an inventive step (is non-obvious).
- Industrial Applicability (IA): Whether the claimed invention is industrially applicable.
For each of these criteria, the examiner must indicate:
- Which claims satisfy the criterion
- Which claims fail to satisfy the criterion
- The reasons for the conclusion with citations to relevant documents
This box is essential for providing a clear and concise summary of the examiner’s findings regarding the patentability of the invention.
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