What is the purpose of a restriction requirement in patent applications?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 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. A restriction requirement is a formal request made by the USPTO under 35 U.S.C. 121 to limit the examination of a patent application to a single invention or a group of related inventions. The purpose is to manage the examination process efficiently when an application contains multiple distinct inventions. According to MPEP 817 , a restriction requirement should include: A statement of the requirement to restrict Identification of each group of inventions A short description of the subject matter claimed in each group Classification of each group An allegation of independence or distinctness between the inventions Reasons for insisting upon restriction The examiner must provide a clear explanation of why the inventions are independent or distinct and why there would be a serious search and/or examination burden if restriction were not required. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Requirement for Serious Search and Examination Burden Explanation MPEP 817 Requirement to Restrict Claim Groups MPEP 817 Recommended Invention Grouping Required for Restriction Requirement MPEP 817 Recommended Requirement for Demonstrating Independence of Inventions MPEP 817 Form Paragraphs for Holding of Independence or Distinctness MPEP 817 Permitted Restriction Requirement for Joint Inventors MPEP 817 Required Requirement for Describing Subject Matter of Each Group MPEP 817 Combination Does Not Require Subcombination Usable Alone MPEP 817 Requirement for Different Making Processes MPEP 817 Permitted Requirement for Setting Forth Species Election and Distinctness Reasons MPEP 817 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does an examiner group inventions in a restri...