What is a substitute specification in patent applications?
A substitute specification is a rewritten version of the entire specification or a part of it in a patent application. It may be required by the USPTO or voluntarily submitted by the applicant under certain conditions.
According to 37 CFR 1.125(a):
If the number or nature of the amendments or the legibility of the application papers renders it difficult to consider the application, or to arrange the papers for printing or copying, the Office may require the entire specification, including the claims, or any part thereof, be rewritten.
This provision allows the USPTO to request a substitute specification when necessary for clarity and ease of examination.
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Topics:
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure