MPEP § 1411 — Form of Specification (Annotated Rules)

§1411 Form of Specification

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2025-12-31

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1411, including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Form of Specification

This section addresses Form of Specification. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 251, 37 CFR 1.173, and 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1). Contains: 7 requirements, 3 guidance statements, 2 permissions, and 3 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Column and Line References

7 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1411-31c5652af36ae1b97a5109d0]
Specification Must Be In Double Column Format
Note:
The entire specification, including claims, must be provided in a double column format on one side of a single sheet of paper for reissue application.

(a) Contents of a reissue application. An application for reissue must contain the entire specification, including the claims, and the drawings of the patent. No new matter shall be introduced into the application. No reissue patent shall be granted enlarging the scope of the claims of the original patent unless applied for within two years from the grant of the original patent, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 251. (1) Specification, including claims. The entire specification, including the claims, of the patent for which reissue is requested must be furnished in the form of a copy of the printed patent, in double column format, each page on only one side of a single sheet of paper. If an amendment of the reissue application is to be included, it must be made pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section. The formal requirements for papers making up the reissue application other than those set forth in this section are set out in § 1.52. Additionally, a copy of any disclaimer (§ 1.321), certificate of correction (§§ 1.322 through 1.324), or reexamination certificate (§ 1.570) issued in the patent must be included. (See also § 1.178).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173Column and Line ReferencesSpecification AmendmentsReissue Filing Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1411-f8a8229de4996168be79221e]
Amendment of Reissue Application Must Follow Specific Procedures
Note:
The amendment to a reissue application must be made according to the procedures outlined in paragraph (b) of this section.

(a) Contents of a reissue application. An application for reissue must contain the entire specification, including the claims, and the drawings of the patent. No new matter shall be introduced into the application. No reissue patent shall be granted enlarging the scope of the claims of the original patent unless applied for within two years from the grant of the original patent, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 251. (1) Specification, including claims. The entire specification, including the claims, of the patent for which reissue is requested must be furnished in the form of a copy of the printed patent, in double column format, each page on only one side of a single sheet of paper. If an amendment of the reissue application is to be included, it must be made pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section. The formal requirements for papers making up the reissue application other than those set forth in this section are set out in § 1.52. Additionally, a copy of any disclaimer (§ 1.321), certificate of correction (§§ 1.322 through 1.324), or reexamination certificate (§ 1.570) issued in the patent must be included. (See also § 1.178).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173Column and Line ReferencesSpecification AmendmentsAmendments in Reissue
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1411-bd4e049efebf0b8e8be99822]
Application Specification Must Be Double Column
Note:
The application specification, including claims, must be submitted in the form of a double column copy of the printed patent without cutting.

Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1) the application specification, including the claims, must be furnished in the form of a copy of the printed patent in double column format (so that the patent can be simply copied without cutting). Applicants are required to submit a clean copy of each drawing sheet of the printed patent at the time the reissue application is filed (37 CFR 1.173(a)(2)). Any changes to the drawings must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.173(b)(3). Thus, a full copy of the printed patent (including the front page) is used to provide the abstract, drawings, specification, and claims of the patent for the reissue application. Each page of the patent must appear on only one side of each individual page of the specification of the reissue application; a two-sided copy of the patent is not proper. It should be noted that a re-typed specification is not acceptable in a reissue application; the full copy of the printed patent must be used. If, however, the changes to be made to the patent are so extensive/numerous that reading and understanding the specification is extremely difficult and error-prone, a clean copy of the specification may be submitted if accompanied by a grantable petition under 37 CFR 1.183 for waiver of 37 CFR 1.125(d) and 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1)Column and Line ReferencesSpecification AmendmentsReissue Filing Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1411-99b3ab7fac4bac9605a3a7ff]
Changes to Drawings Must Follow Specific Rules
Note:
Any changes to the drawings must be made in accordance with specific rules, using a full copy of the printed patent including all pages.

Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1) the application specification, including the claims, must be furnished in the form of a copy of the printed patent in double column format (so that the patent can be simply copied without cutting). Applicants are required to submit a clean copy of each drawing sheet of the printed patent at the time the reissue application is filed (37 CFR 1.173(a)(2)). Any changes to the drawings must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.173(b)(3). Thus, a full copy of the printed patent (including the front page) is used to provide the abstract, drawings, specification, and claims of the patent for the reissue application. Each page of the patent must appear on only one side of each individual page of the specification of the reissue application; a two-sided copy of the patent is not proper. It should be noted that a re-typed specification is not acceptable in a reissue application; the full copy of the printed patent must be used. If, however, the changes to be made to the patent are so extensive/numerous that reading and understanding the specification is extremely difficult and error-prone, a clean copy of the specification may be submitted if accompanied by a grantable petition under 37 CFR 1.183 for waiver of 37 CFR 1.125(d) and 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1)Column and Line ReferencesSpecification AmendmentsCopy of Original Patent
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1411-397b69f6bcf249befea173e6]
Patent Must Be Single Sided for Reissue Application
Note:
Each page of the patent must appear on only one side of each individual page in the reissue application specification.

Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1) the application specification, including the claims, must be furnished in the form of a copy of the printed patent in double column format (so that the patent can be simply copied without cutting). Applicants are required to submit a clean copy of each drawing sheet of the printed patent at the time the reissue application is filed (37 CFR 1.173(a)(2)). Any changes to the drawings must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.173(b)(3). Thus, a full copy of the printed patent (including the front page) is used to provide the abstract, drawings, specification, and claims of the patent for the reissue application. Each page of the patent must appear on only one side of each individual page of the specification of the reissue application; a two-sided copy of the patent is not proper. It should be noted that a re-typed specification is not acceptable in a reissue application; the full copy of the printed patent must be used. If, however, the changes to be made to the patent are so extensive/numerous that reading and understanding the specification is extremely difficult and error-prone, a clean copy of the specification may be submitted if accompanied by a grantable petition under 37 CFR 1.183 for waiver of 37 CFR 1.125(d) and 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1)Column and Line ReferencesSpecification AmendmentsReissue Filing Requirements
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1411-f480ef8de977bdb76988007b]
Chart Must Span Column If Amended
Note:
If a chart is amended and spans two columns, it must be provided in full within the column to maintain continuity of description.

If a chart, table, or chemical formula is amended and it spans two columns of the patent, it should not be split. Rather, the chart, table, or chemical formula should be provided in its entirety as part of the column of the patent to which it pertains, in order to provide a continuity of the description. When doing so, the chart, table, or chemical formula may extend beyond the width of the column. Change in only a part of a word or chemical formula is not permitted. Entire words or chemical formulas must be shown as being changed. Deletion of a chemical formula should be shown by brackets which are substantially larger and darker than any in the formula.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173Column and Line ReferencesSpecification AmendmentsAmendments in Reissue
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1411-262d5079f25f184d2a77b8b7]
Chart, Table, or Formula May Extend Beyond Column Width
Note:
When a chart, table, or chemical formula spans two columns, it should remain unsplit and extend beyond the column width to maintain continuity.

If a chart, table, or chemical formula is amended and it spans two columns of the patent, it should not be split. Rather, the chart, table, or chemical formula should be provided in its entirety as part of the column of the patent to which it pertains, in order to provide a continuity of the description. When doing so, the chart, table, or chemical formula may extend beyond the width of the column. Change in only a part of a word or chemical formula is not permitted. Entire words or chemical formulas must be shown as being changed. Deletion of a chemical formula should be shown by brackets which are substantially larger and darker than any in the formula.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173Column and Line ReferencesSpecification AmendmentsAmendments in Reissue
Topic

Specification Amendments

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1411-6e27323b42bbbb453737b815]
Entire Specification Including Claims Required for Reissue
Note:
The entire specification, including claims and drawings, must be provided in a reissue application. No new matter can be introduced, and the scope of claims cannot be enlarged unless within two years from the original patent grant.

(a) Contents of a reissue application. An application for reissue must contain the entire specification, including the claims, and the drawings of the patent. No new matter shall be introduced into the application. No reissue patent shall be granted enlarging the scope of the claims of the original patent unless applied for within two years from the grant of the original patent, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 251. (1) Specification, including claims. The entire specification, including the claims, of the patent for which reissue is requested must be furnished in the form of a copy of the printed patent, in double column format, each page on only one side of a single sheet of paper. If an amendment of the reissue application is to be included, it must be made pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section. The formal requirements for papers making up the reissue application other than those set forth in this section are set out in § 1.52. Additionally, a copy of any disclaimer (§ 1.321), certificate of correction (§§ 1.322 through 1.324), or reexamination certificate (§ 1.570) issued in the patent must be included. (See also § 1.178).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173Specification AmendmentsReissue Filing RequirementsAmendments in Reissue
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1411-c02b1f6e77776a73a27d1166]
Chart Must Span Column
Note:
A chart spanning two columns must remain intact and not be split, ensuring continuity in the specification.

If a chart, table, or chemical formula is amended and it spans two columns of the patent, it should not be split. Rather, the chart, table, or chemical formula should be provided in its entirety as part of the column of the patent to which it pertains, in order to provide a continuity of the description. When doing so, the chart, table, or chemical formula may extend beyond the width of the column. Change in only a part of a word or chemical formula is not permitted. Entire words or chemical formulas must be shown as being changed. Deletion of a chemical formula should be shown by brackets which are substantially larger and darker than any in the formula.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173Specification AmendmentsAmendments in ReissueReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1411-3a46bf07d2bfa9634f60c9c4]
Change of Only Part Prohibited
Note:
The entire chemical formula must be changed, not just a part of it.

If a chart, table, or chemical formula is amended and it spans two columns of the patent, it should not be split. Rather, the chart, table, or chemical formula should be provided in its entirety as part of the column of the patent to which it pertains, in order to provide a continuity of the description. When doing so, the chart, table, or chemical formula may extend beyond the width of the column. Change in only a part of a word or chemical formula is not permitted. Entire words or chemical formulas must be shown as being changed. Deletion of a chemical formula should be shown by brackets which are substantially larger and darker than any in the formula.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173Specification AmendmentsAmendments in ReissueReissue Patent Practice
Topic

Reissue Filing Requirements

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1411-f27d1ef4516aaf3bb671407e]
Preliminary Amendment for Specified Changes to Printed Patent
Note:
Allows providing a separate amendment paper at reissue application filing to direct changes to the printed patent.

Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(b), amendments may be made at the time of filing of a reissue application. The amendment may be made either by:

(B) providing a preliminary amendment (a separate amendment paper) directing that specified changes be made to the copy of the printed patent.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173(b)Reissue Filing RequirementsReissue Application FilingReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1411-242cc8e76461ea52aaeb64d4]
Amendments to Reissue Claims Must Include Status and Explanation
Note:
The presentation of insertions or deletions in claims must be accompanied by a separate paper detailing the status of all claims and their support in the patent disclosure.

The presentation of the insertions or deletions as part of the original reissue specification is an amendment under 37 CFR 1.173(b). An amendment of the reissue application made at the time of filing of the reissue application must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.173(b)-(e) and (g); see MPEP § 1453. Thus, as required by 37 CFR 1.173(c), an amendment of the claims made at the time of filing of a reissue application must include a separate paper setting forth the status of all claims (i.e., pending or canceled), and an explanation of the support in the disclosure of the patent for the changes made to the claims.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173(b)Reissue Filing RequirementsAmendments in ReissueReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1411-3482d9c1529949066e09cf63]
Reissue Specification Must Use Italicized Additions
Note:
When using a first reissue patent as the specification for a second reissue, additions from the first reissue should remain in italics, and new additions should be double underlined.

When a copy of a first reissue patent is used as the specification of a second reissue application (filed as a reissue of a reissue), additions made by the first reissue will already be printed in italics, and should remain in such format. Thus, applicants need only present additions to the specification/claims in the second reissue application as double underlined text. Subject matter to be deleted from the first reissue patent should be presented in the second reissue application within sets of double brackets.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173Reissue Filing RequirementsReissue Application FilingReissue Patent Issuance
Topic

Support in Original Patent

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1411-dfb9caa8d748828f759b2ebd]
Specification and Claims Must Match Original Patent
Note:
An application for reissue must include the entire specification, claims, and drawings from the original patent without introducing new matter. The scope of claims cannot be expanded unless within two years after the original patent's grant.
(a) Contents of a reissue application. An application for reissue must contain the entire specification, including the claims, and the drawings of the patent. No new matter shall be introduced into the application. No reissue patent shall be granted enlarging the scope of the claims of the original patent unless applied for within two years from the grant of the original patent, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 251.
  • (1) Specification, including claims. The entire specification, including the claims, of the patent for which reissue is requested must be furnished in the form of a copy of the printed patent, in double column format, each page on only one side of a single sheet of paper. If an amendment of the reissue application is to be included, it must be made pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section. The formal requirements for papers making up the reissue application other than those set forth in this section are set out in § 1.52. Additionally, a copy of any disclaimer (§ 1.321), certificate of correction (§§ 1.322 through 1.324), or reexamination certificate (§ 1.570) issued in the patent must be included. (See also § 1.178).
  • (2) Drawings. Applicant must submit a clean copy of each drawing sheet of the printed patent at the time the reissue application is filed. If such copy complies with § 1.84, no further drawings will be required. Where a drawing of the reissue application is to include any changes relative to the patent being reissued, the changes to the drawing must be made in accordance with paragraph (b)(3) of this section. The Office will not transfer the drawings from the patent file to the reissue application.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173Support in Original PatentNo New Matter in ReissueSpecification Amendments
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1411-119d5b1a120dbe7726848e0f]
Requirement for Claims Status and Support Explanation
Note:
An amendment of the claims in a reissue application must include a separate paper detailing the status of each claim and its support in the original patent.

The presentation of the insertions or deletions as part of the original reissue specification is an amendment under 37 CFR 1.173(b). An amendment of the reissue application made at the time of filing of the reissue application must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.173(b)-(e) and (g); see MPEP § 1453. Thus, as required by 37 CFR 1.173(c), an amendment of the claims made at the time of filing of a reissue application must include a separate paper setting forth the status of all claims (i.e., pending or canceled), and an explanation of the support in the disclosure of the patent for the changes made to the claims.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173(b)Support in Original PatentNo New Matter in ReissueAmendments in Reissue
Topic

Amendments in Reissue

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1411-5a979249911bdaea1f8c1872]
Specification and Claims Required for Reissue
Note:
An application for reissue must include the entire specification, including claims and drawings, of the original patent without introducing new matter.

(a) Contents of a reissue application. An application for reissue must contain the entire specification, including the claims, and the drawings of the patent. No new matter shall be introduced into the application. No reissue patent shall be granted enlarging the scope of the claims of the original patent unless applied for within two years from the grant of the original patent, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 251. (1) Specification, including claims. The entire specification, including the claims, of the patent for which reissue is requested must be furnished in the form of a copy of the printed patent, in double column format, each page on only one side of a single sheet of paper. If an amendment of the reissue application is to be included, it must be made pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section. The formal requirements for papers making up the reissue application other than those set forth in this section are set out in § 1.52. Additionally, a copy of any disclaimer (§ 1.321), certificate of correction (§§ 1.322 through 1.324), or reexamination certificate (§ 1.570) issued in the patent must be included. (See also § 1.178).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173Amendments in ReissueSupport in Original PatentColumn and Line References
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1411-cdb8d7636994bd69a833a706]
Amendments May Be Made at Time of Reissue Filing
Note:
Patent amendments can be made when filing a reissue application either by physically modifying the specification or submitting a preliminary amendment paper.
Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(b), amendments may be made at the time of filing of a reissue application. The amendment may be made either by:
  • (A) physically incorporating the changes within the specification by cutting the column of the printed patent and inserting the added material and rejoining the remainder of the column and then joining the resulting modified column to the other column of the printed patent. Markings pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(d) must be used to show the changes. The columnar structure of the printed patent must be preserved, and the physically modified page must comply with 37 CFR 1.52(a)(1). As to compliance with 37 CFR 1.52(a)(1)(iv), the "written either by a typewriter or machine printer in permanent dark ink or its equivalent" requirement is deemed to be satisfied where a caret and line are drawn from a position within the text to a newly added phrase, clause, sentence, etc. typed legibly in the margin; or
  • (B) providing a preliminary amendment (a separate amendment paper) directing that specified changes be made to the copy of the printed patent.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173(b)Amendments in ReissueReissue Application FilingReissue Patent Practice
Topic

Reexamination Certificate

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1411-503d27068f4789e86aff49de]
Requirements for Reissue Application
Note:
A reissue application must include the entire specification, claims, and drawings of the original patent, along with any disclaimers, certificates of correction, or reexamination certificates.

(a) Contents of a reissue application. An application for reissue must contain the entire specification, including the claims, and the drawings of the patent. No new matter shall be introduced into the application. No reissue patent shall be granted enlarging the scope of the claims of the original patent unless applied for within two years from the grant of the original patent, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 251. (1) Specification, including claims. The entire specification, including the claims, of the patent for which reissue is requested must be furnished in the form of a copy of the printed patent, in double column format, each page on only one side of a single sheet of paper. If an amendment of the reissue application is to be included, it must be made pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section. The formal requirements for papers making up the reissue application other than those set forth in this section are set out in § 1.52. Additionally, a copy of any disclaimer (§ 1.321), certificate of correction (§§ 1.322 through 1.324), or reexamination certificate (§ 1.570) issued in the patent must be included. (See also § 1.178).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173Reexamination CertificateReissue and ReexaminationNot Grounds for Reissue
Topic

Drawing Amendments in Reissue

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1411-c14ff2d7bba0dcb0326800bd]
Drawings Must Be Clean Copies
Note:
Applicants must submit clean copies of each drawing sheet from the printed patent at the time of filing a reissue application.

Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1) the application specification, including the claims, must be furnished in the form of a copy of the printed patent in double column format (so that the patent can be simply copied without cutting). Applicants are required to submit a clean copy of each drawing sheet of the printed patent at the time the reissue application is filed (37 CFR 1.173(a)(2)). Any changes to the drawings must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.173(b)(3). Thus, a full copy of the printed patent (including the front page) is used to provide the abstract, drawings, specification, and claims of the patent for the reissue application. Each page of the patent must appear on only one side of each individual page of the specification of the reissue application; a two-sided copy of the patent is not proper. It should be noted that a re-typed specification is not acceptable in a reissue application; the full copy of the printed patent must be used. If, however, the changes to be made to the patent are so extensive/numerous that reading and understanding the specification is extremely difficult and error-prone, a clean copy of the specification may be submitted if accompanied by a grantable petition under 37 CFR 1.183 for waiver of 37 CFR 1.125(d) and 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1)Drawing Amendments in ReissueAmendments in ReissueReissue Application Filing
Topic

Examples of Waivers

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1411-3a801df51b89f590efff4ad8]
Petition for Waiver of Clean Copy Requirement
Note:
A clean copy of the specification may be submitted if changes are extensive and reading the original is error-prone, subject to a grantable petition.

Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1) the application specification, including the claims, must be furnished in the form of a copy of the printed patent in double column format (so that the patent can be simply copied without cutting). Applicants are required to submit a clean copy of each drawing sheet of the printed patent at the time the reissue application is filed (37 CFR 1.173(a)(2)). Any changes to the drawings must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.173(b)(3). Thus, a full copy of the printed patent (including the front page) is used to provide the abstract, drawings, specification, and claims of the patent for the reissue application. Each page of the patent must appear on only one side of each individual page of the specification of the reissue application; a two-sided copy of the patent is not proper. It should be noted that a re-typed specification is not acceptable in a reissue application; the full copy of the printed patent must be used. If, however, the changes to be made to the patent are so extensive/numerous that reading and understanding the specification is extremely difficult and error-prone, a clean copy of the specification may be submitted if accompanied by a grantable petition under 37 CFR 1.183 for waiver of 37 CFR 1.125(d) and 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173(a)(1)Examples of WaiversPetition to Suspend/Waive Rules (37 CFR 1.183)Specification Amendments
Topic

Entire Document Submission in Reissue

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1411-ac2800bbac4f85feb21903fb]
Entire Words or Chemical Formulas Must Be Changed
Note:
When amending a chart, table, or chemical formula that spans columns, it must be shown entirely. Changes to only parts of words or formulas are not permitted.

If a chart, table, or chemical formula is amended and it spans two columns of the patent, it should not be split. Rather, the chart, table, or chemical formula should be provided in its entirety as part of the column of the patent to which it pertains, in order to provide a continuity of the description. When doing so, the chart, table, or chemical formula may extend beyond the width of the column. Change in only a part of a word or chemical formula is not permitted. Entire words or chemical formulas must be shown as being changed. Deletion of a chemical formula should be shown by brackets which are substantially larger and darker than any in the formula.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173Entire Document Submission in ReissueSpecification AmendmentsAmendments in Reissue
Topic

Reissue Amendment Format

1 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1411-a6a0259a415de30919c55a3c]
Bracketed Deletion for Chemical Formulas
Note:
Deletions of chemical formulas must be shown using brackets that are larger and darker than the surrounding text.

If a chart, table, or chemical formula is amended and it spans two columns of the patent, it should not be split. Rather, the chart, table, or chemical formula should be provided in its entirety as part of the column of the patent to which it pertains, in order to provide a continuity of the description. When doing so, the chart, table, or chemical formula may extend beyond the width of the column. Change in only a part of a word or chemical formula is not permitted. Entire words or chemical formulas must be shown as being changed. Deletion of a chemical formula should be shown by brackets which are substantially larger and darker than any in the formula.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173Reissue Amendment FormatAmendments in ReissueSpecification Amendments
Topic

Form of Reissue Patent

1 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1411-8c30420bd4423fe8c006fd4e]
Subject Matter to Delete Must Be Bracketed
Note:
When deleting subject matter from a first reissue patent, it must be presented in double brackets within the second reissue application.

When a copy of a first reissue patent is used as the specification of a second reissue application (filed as a reissue of a reissue), additions made by the first reissue will already be printed in italics, and should remain in such format. Thus, applicants need only present additions to the specification/claims in the second reissue application as double underlined text. Subject matter to be deleted from the first reissue patent should be presented in the second reissue application within sets of double brackets.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.173Form of Reissue PatentReissue Application FilingReissue Patent Issuance

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Amendments in Reissue
Column and Line References
Reexamination Certificate
Specification Amendments
Support in Original Patent
35 U.S.C. § 251
Column and Line References
Drawing Amendments in Reissue
Examples of Waivers
37 CFR § 1.125(d)
Column and Line References
Drawing Amendments in Reissue
Examples of Waivers
37 CFR § 1.173(a)(1)
Column and Line References
Drawing Amendments in Reissue
Examples of Waivers
37 CFR § 1.173(a)(2)
Amendments in Reissue
Reissue Filing Requirements
Support in Original Patent
37 CFR § 1.173(b)
Column and Line References
Drawing Amendments in Reissue
Examples of Waivers
37 CFR § 1.173(b)(3)
Reissue Filing Requirements
Support in Original Patent
37 CFR § 1.173(c)
Amendments in Reissue37 CFR § 1.173(d)
Amendments in Reissue
Column and Line References
Reexamination Certificate
Specification Amendments
Support in Original Patent
37 CFR § 1.178
Column and Line References
Drawing Amendments in Reissue
Examples of Waivers
37 CFR § 1.183
Amendments in Reissue
Column and Line References
Reexamination Certificate
Specification Amendments
Support in Original Patent
37 CFR § 1.321
Amendments in Reissue
Column and Line References
Reexamination Certificate
Specification Amendments
Support in Original Patent
37 CFR § 1.322
Amendments in Reissue
Column and Line References
Reexamination Certificate
Specification Amendments
Support in Original Patent
37 CFR § 1.52
Amendments in Reissue37 CFR § 1.52(a)(1)
Amendments in Reissue37 CFR § 1.52(a)(1)(iv)
Amendments in Reissue
Column and Line References
Reexamination Certificate
Specification Amendments
Support in Original Patent
37 CFR § 1.570
Support in Original Patent37 CFR § 1.84
Reissue Filing Requirements
Support in Original Patent
MPEP § 1453

Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP

This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31