What is the general rule regarding entering amendments in part?

The general rule is that an amendment should not be entered in part to avoid confusion of the record. As stated in MPEP 714.20: “To avoid confusion of the record the general rule prevails that an amendment should not be entered in part.” However, there are exceptions to this rule when strict adherence might cause more harm than good, especially if the amendment is received near the end of the reply period.

To learn more:

• amendments
• patent examination
• MPEP
• USPTO