What is the legal basis for restriction practice in patent applications?

What is the legal basis for restriction practice in patent applications?

The legal basis for restriction practice in patent applications is established by 35 U.S.C. 121 and implemented through 37 CFR 1.141-1.146. The MPEP states:

“The basis for restriction practice is found in 35 U.S.C. 121, which is implemented by the rules set forth in 37 CFR 1.141-1.146.“

These statutes and regulations provide the authority for patent examiners to require restriction when multiple inventions are claimed in a single application, ensuring that each application focuses on a single invention or a group of related inventions.

To learn more:

• restriction practice
• legal basis
• patent applications
• 35 U.S.C. 121
• 37 CFR 1.141-1.146