MPEP § 1453 — Amendments to Reissue Applications (Annotated Rules)
§1453 Amendments to Reissue Applications
This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1453, 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.
Amendments to Reissue Applications
This section addresses Amendments to Reissue Applications. Primary authority: 37 CFR 1.173(b), 37 CFR 1.121(i), and 37 CFR 1.173. Contains: 12 requirements, 2 prohibitions, 2 guidance statements, 1 permission, and 9 other statements.
Key Rules
Types of Claim Status in Reissue
Original patent claims are never to be renumbered; see 37 CFR 1.173(e). A patent claim retains its number even if it is canceled in the reissue proceeding, and the numbering of any added claims must begin after the last original patent claim.
Original patent claims are never to be renumbered; see 37 CFR 1.173(e). A patent claim retains its number even if it is canceled in the reissue proceeding, and the numbering of any added claims must begin after the last original patent claim.
If the original (or previously changed) patent includes a formula or equation already having underlining or bracketing therein as part of the formula or equation, any amendment of such formula or equation should be made by bracketing the entire formula and rewriting and totally underlining the amended formula in the re-presented paragraph of the specification or rewritten claim in which the changed formula or equation appears. Amendments of segments of a formula or equation should not be made. If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reissue, double brackets and double underlining should be used in the subject reissue application to identify and distinguish the present changes being made. The subject reissue, when printed, would include double brackets (indicating deletions made in the subject reissue) and boldface type (indicating material added in the subject reissue). If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reexamination, the reissue application must be presented as if the changes made to the original patent text via the reexamination certificate are a part of the original patent. Thus, all italicized text of the reexamination certificate is presented in the amendment (made in the reissue application) without italics. Further, any text found in brackets in the reexamination certificate is omitted in the amendment (made in the reissue application). Any canceled claims resulting from the reexamination will be lined through.
If the original (or previously changed) patent includes a formula or equation already having underlining or bracketing therein as part of the formula or equation, any amendment of such formula or equation should be made by bracketing the entire formula and rewriting and totally underlining the amended formula in the re-presented paragraph of the specification or rewritten claim in which the changed formula or equation appears. Amendments of segments of a formula or equation should not be made. If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reissue, double brackets and double underlining should be used in the subject reissue application to identify and distinguish the present changes being made. The subject reissue, when printed, would include double brackets (indicating deletions made in the subject reissue) and boldface type (indicating material added in the subject reissue). If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reexamination, the reissue application must be presented as if the changes made to the original patent text via the reexamination certificate are a part of the original patent. Thus, all italicized text of the reexamination certificate is presented in the amendment (made in the reissue application) without italics. Further, any text found in brackets in the reexamination certificate is omitted in the amendment (made in the reissue application). Any canceled claims resulting from the reexamination will be lined through.
If the original (or previously changed) patent includes a formula or equation already having underlining or bracketing therein as part of the formula or equation, any amendment of such formula or equation should be made by bracketing the entire formula and rewriting and totally underlining the amended formula in the re-presented paragraph of the specification or rewritten claim in which the changed formula or equation appears. Amendments of segments of a formula or equation should not be made. If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reissue, double brackets and double underlining should be used in the subject reissue application to identify and distinguish the present changes being made. The subject reissue, when printed, would include double brackets (indicating deletions made in the subject reissue) and boldface type (indicating material added in the subject reissue). If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reexamination, the reissue application must be presented as if the changes made to the original patent text via the reexamination certificate are a part of the original patent. Thus, all italicized text of the reexamination certificate is presented in the amendment (made in the reissue application) without italics. Further, any text found in brackets in the reexamination certificate is omitted in the amendment (made in the reissue application). Any canceled claims resulting from the reexamination will be lined through.
If the original (or previously changed) patent includes a formula or equation already having underlining or bracketing therein as part of the formula or equation, any amendment of such formula or equation should be made by bracketing the entire formula and rewriting and totally underlining the amended formula in the re-presented paragraph of the specification or rewritten claim in which the changed formula or equation appears. Amendments of segments of a formula or equation should not be made. If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reissue, double brackets and double underlining should be used in the subject reissue application to identify and distinguish the present changes being made. The subject reissue, when printed, would include double brackets (indicating deletions made in the subject reissue) and boldface type (indicating material added in the subject reissue). If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reexamination, the reissue application must be presented as if the changes made to the original patent text via the reexamination certificate are a part of the original patent. Thus, all italicized text of the reexamination certificate is presented in the amendment (made in the reissue application) without italics. Further, any text found in brackets in the reexamination certificate is omitted in the amendment (made in the reissue application). Any canceled claims resulting from the reexamination will be lined through.
An amendment of a “new claim” (i.e., a claim not found in the patent, that was previously presented in the reissue application) must be done by presenting the amended “new claim” containing the amendatory material, and completely underlining the claim, including the claim number. Examiners may accept an amendment even if the claim number is not underlined or the status identifier(s) used is not a status identifier recommended by 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) or 1.121(c). Although 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) does not require using the status identifier “new”, its use is recommended so that examiners can easily identify the presentation of new claim(s). The presentation cannot contain any bracketing or other indication of what was in the previous version of the claim. This is because all changes in the reissue are made vis-à-vis the original patent, and not in comparison to the prior amendment. Although the presentation of the amended claim does not contain any indication of what is changed from the previous version of the claim, applicant must point out what is changed in the “Remarks” portion of the amendment. Also, per 37 CFR 1.173(c), each change made in the claim must be accompanied by an explanation of the support in the disclosure of the patent for the change.
An amendment of a “new claim” (i.e., a claim not found in the patent, that was previously presented in the reissue application) must be done by presenting the amended “new claim” containing the amendatory material, and completely underlining the claim, including the claim number. Examiners may accept an amendment even if the claim number is not underlined or the status identifier(s) used is not a status identifier recommended by 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) or 1.121(c). Although 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) does not require using the status identifier “new”, its use is recommended so that examiners can easily identify the presentation of new claim(s). The presentation cannot contain any bracketing or other indication of what was in the previous version of the claim. This is because all changes in the reissue are made vis-à-vis the original patent, and not in comparison to the prior amendment. Although the presentation of the amended claim does not contain any indication of what is changed from the previous version of the claim, applicant must point out what is changed in the “Remarks” portion of the amendment. Also, per 37 CFR 1.173(c), each change made in the claim must be accompanied by an explanation of the support in the disclosure of the patent for the change.
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
- (A) For a reissue application, where the patent was previously reissued: As per MPEP § 1411, double underlining and double bracketing are used in the second reissue application to show amendments made relative to the first reissue patent
- (B) For a reissue application, where the patent was previously reexamined and a certificate has issued for the patent or the patent was subject to a trial before the PTAB and a certificate has issued for the patent: An amendment in the reissue application must be presented as if the changes made to the original patent text via the certificate are a part of the original patent. For example, all italicized text of the reexamination certificate is presented in the amendment (made in the reissue application) without italics. Further, any text found in brackets in the reexamination certificate is omitted in the amendment (made in the reissue application). A claim canceled by the certificate must be deleted by a direction to strike through the claim, i.e., the canceled claim(s) should be lined through, and not surrounded by brackets.
- (C) For a reissue application, where a certificate of correction has issued for the patent: An amendment in the reissue application must be presented as if the changes made to the original patent text via the certificate of correction are a part of the original patent. Thus, all text added by certificate of correction is presented in the amendment (made in the reissue application) without italics. Further, any text deleted by certificate of correction is entirely omitted in the amendment (made in the reissue application). A claim canceled by the certificate of correction must be deleted by a direction to strike through the claim, i.e., the canceled claim(s) should be lined through, and not surrounded by brackets.
- (D) For a reissue application, where a statutory disclaimer has issued for the patent: Any claim statutorily disclaimed is no longer in the patent, and such a claim cannot be amended. A disclaimed claim must be deleted by a direction to strike through the claim, i.e., the statutorily disclaimed claim(s) should be lined through, and not surrounded by brackets.
- (E) Making amendments in an application for reissue of a previously reissued patent: When a copy of a first reissue patent is presented 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. Examples of the form for a twice-reissued patent (a reissue of a reissue) are found in Re. 23,558 and Re. 28,488. Double underlining and double bracketing are used in the second reissue application, while bold -faced type and double bracketing appear in the printed patent (the second reissue patent) to indicate further insertions and deletions, respectively, in the second reissue patent.
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
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(B) For a reissue application, where the patent was previously reexamined and a certificate has issued for the patent or the patent was subject to a trial before the PTAB and a certificate has issued for the patent: An amendment in the reissue application must be presented as if the changes made to the original patent text via the certificate are a part of the original patent.
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
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(C) For a reissue application, where a certificate of correction has issued for the patent: An amendment in the reissue application must be presented as if the changes made to the original patent text via the certificate of correction are a part of the original patent. Thus, all text added by certificate of correction is presented in the amendment (made in the reissue application) without italics.
Procedure for Canceling Claims
37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) relates to the manner of making amendments to the claims in reissue applications. It is not to be used for making amendments to the remainder of the specification or to the drawings. 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) requires that:
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(D) A new claim (previously added in the reissue) should be canceled by a direction to cancel that claim.
Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(c), each amendment submitted must set forth the status of all patent claims and all added claims as of the date of the submission. The status to be set forth is whether the claim is pending or canceled. The failure to submit the claim status will generally result in a notification to applicant that the amendment before final rejection is not completely responsive (see 37 CFR 1.135(c)). Such an amendment after final rejection will not be entered.
If the original (or previously changed) patent includes a formula or equation already having underlining or bracketing therein as part of the formula or equation, any amendment of such formula or equation should be made by bracketing the entire formula and rewriting and totally underlining the amended formula in the re-presented paragraph of the specification or rewritten claim in which the changed formula or equation appears. Amendments of segments of a formula or equation should not be made. If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reissue, double brackets and double underlining should be used in the subject reissue application to identify and distinguish the present changes being made. The subject reissue, when printed, would include double brackets (indicating deletions made in the subject reissue) and boldface type (indicating material added in the subject reissue). If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reexamination, the reissue application must be presented as if the changes made to the original patent text via the reexamination certificate are a part of the original patent. Thus, all italicized text of the reexamination certificate is presented in the amendment (made in the reissue application) without italics. Further, any text found in brackets in the reexamination certificate is omitted in the amendment (made in the reissue application). Any canceled claims resulting from the reexamination will be lined through.
If the original (or previously changed) patent includes a formula or equation already having underlining or bracketing therein as part of the formula or equation, any amendment of such formula or equation should be made by bracketing the entire formula and rewriting and totally underlining the amended formula in the re-presented paragraph of the specification or rewritten claim in which the changed formula or equation appears. Amendments of segments of a formula or equation should not be made. If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reissue, double brackets and double underlining should be used in the subject reissue application to identify and distinguish the present changes being made. The subject reissue, when printed, would include double brackets (indicating deletions made in the subject reissue) and boldface type (indicating material added in the subject reissue). If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reexamination, the reissue application must be presented as if the changes made to the original patent text via the reexamination certificate are a part of the original patent. Thus, all italicized text of the reexamination certificate is presented in the amendment (made in the reissue application) without italics. Further, any text found in brackets in the reexamination certificate is omitted in the amendment (made in the reissue application). Any canceled claims resulting from the reexamination will be lined through.
If the original (or previously changed) patent includes a formula or equation already having underlining or bracketing therein as part of the formula or equation, any amendment of such formula or equation should be made by bracketing the entire formula and rewriting and totally underlining the amended formula in the re-presented paragraph of the specification or rewritten claim in which the changed formula or equation appears. Amendments of segments of a formula or equation should not be made. If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reissue, double brackets and double underlining should be used in the subject reissue application to identify and distinguish the present changes being made. The subject reissue, when printed, would include double brackets (indicating deletions made in the subject reissue) and boldface type (indicating material added in the subject reissue). If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reexamination, the reissue application must be presented as if the changes made to the original patent text via the reexamination certificate are a part of the original patent. Thus, all italicized text of the reexamination certificate is presented in the amendment (made in the reissue application) without italics. Further, any text found in brackets in the reexamination certificate is omitted in the amendment (made in the reissue application). Any canceled claims resulting from the reexamination will be lined through.
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
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Further, any text found in brackets in the reexamination certificate is omitted in the amendment (made in the reissue application).
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
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A claim canceled by the certificate must be deleted by a direction to strike through the claim, i.e., the canceled claim(s) should be lined through, and not surrounded by brackets.
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
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A claim canceled by the certificate of correction must be deleted by a direction to strike through the claim, i.e., the canceled claim(s) should be lined through, and not surrounded by brackets.
Amendments in Reissue
The provisions of 37 CFR 1.173(b)-(g) and those of 37 CFR 1.121(i) apply to amendments in reissue applications.
37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) relates to the manner of making amendments to the claims in reissue applications. It is not to be used for making amendments to the remainder of the specification or to the drawings. 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) requires that:
- (A) For each claim that is being amended by the amendment being submitted (the current amendment), the entire text of the claim must be presented with markings as defined above;
- (B) For each new claim added to the reissue by the amendment being submitted (the current amendment), the entire text of the added claim must be presented completely underlined;
- (C) A patent claim should be canceled by a direction to cancel that claim, there is no need to present the patent claim surrounded by brackets; and
- (D) A new claim (previously added in the reissue) should be canceled by a direction to cancel that claim.
Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(c), each amendment submitted must set forth the status of all patent claims and all added claims as of the date of the submission. The status to be set forth is whether the claim is pending or canceled. The failure to submit the claim status will generally result in a notification to applicant that the amendment before final rejection is not completely responsive (see 37 CFR 1.135(c)). Such an amendment after final rejection will not be entered.
Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(c), each amendment submitted must set forth the status of all patent claims and all added claims as of the date of the submission. The status to be set forth is whether the claim is pending or canceled. The failure to submit the claim status will generally result in a notification to applicant that the amendment before final rejection is not completely responsive (see 37 CFR 1.135(c)). Such an amendment after final rejection will not be entered.
Also pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(c), each claim amendment must be accompanied by an explanation of the support in the disclosure of the patent for the amendment (i.e., support for all changes made in the claim(s), whether insertions or deletions). The failure to submit an explanation will generally result in a notification to applicant that the amendment before final rejection is not completely responsive (see 37 CFR 1.135(c)). Such an amendment after final rejection will not be entered.
Also pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(c), each claim amendment must be accompanied by an explanation of the support in the disclosure of the patent for the amendment (i.e., support for all changes made in the claim(s), whether insertions or deletions). The failure to submit an explanation will generally result in a notification to applicant that the amendment before final rejection is not completely responsive (see 37 CFR 1.135(c)). Such an amendment after final rejection will not be entered.
A substantial number of problems arise in the Office because of improper submission of amendments in reissue applications. In regard to status identifiers, examiners may accept an amendment even if the status identifier used is not a status identifier recommended by 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) or 1.121(c).
Reissue Filing Requirements
Amendments submitted in a reissue application, including preliminary amendments (i.e., amendments filed as a separate paper to accompany the filing of a reissue application), must comply with the practice outlined below in this section. The exception for examiner’s amendments to the specification and claims set forth in 37 CFR 1.121(g) does not apply in reissue applications.
37 CFR 1.173(a)(2) states that amendments to the original patent drawings are not permitted, and that any change to the drawings must be by way of 37 CFR 1.173(b)(3). See MPEP § 1413 for the manner of making amendments to the drawings in a reissue application.
When a reissue patent is printed, all underlined matter is printed in italics and all brackets are printed as inserted in the application, in order to show exactly which additions and deletions have been made to the patent being reissued. Therefore, all underlining and bracketing in the reissue application should be made relative to the text of the patent, as follows. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.173(g), all amendments in the reissue application must be made relative to (i.e. vis-à-vis) the patent specification in effect as of the date of the filing of the reissue application. The patent specification includes the claims and drawings. If there was a prior change to the patent (made via a prior concluded reexamination certificate, reissue of the patent, certificate of correction, PTAB trial certificate, etc.), the first amendment of the subject reissue application must be made relative to the patent specification as changed by the prior proceeding or other mechanism for changing the patent. All amendments subsequent to the first amendment must also be made relative to the patent specification in effect as of the date of the filing of the reissue application, and not relative to the prior amendment.
When a reissue patent is printed, all underlined matter is printed in italics and all brackets are printed as inserted in the application, in order to show exactly which additions and deletions have been made to the patent being reissued. Therefore, all underlining and bracketing in the reissue application should be made relative to the text of the patent, as follows. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.173(g), all amendments in the reissue application must be made relative to (i.e. vis-à-vis) the patent specification in effect as of the date of the filing of the reissue application. The patent specification includes the claims and drawings. If there was a prior change to the patent (made via a prior concluded reexamination certificate, reissue of the patent, certificate of correction, PTAB trial certificate, etc.), the first amendment of the subject reissue application must be made relative to the patent specification as changed by the prior proceeding or other mechanism for changing the patent. All amendments subsequent to the first amendment must also be made relative to the patent specification in effect as of the date of the filing of the reissue application, and not relative to the prior amendment.
When a reissue patent is printed, all underlined matter is printed in italics and all brackets are printed as inserted in the application, in order to show exactly which additions and deletions have been made to the patent being reissued. Therefore, all underlining and bracketing in the reissue application should be made relative to the text of the patent, as follows. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.173(g), all amendments in the reissue application must be made relative to (i.e. vis-à-vis) the patent specification in effect as of the date of the filing of the reissue application. The patent specification includes the claims and drawings. If there was a prior change to the patent (made via a prior concluded reexamination certificate, reissue of the patent, certificate of correction, PTAB trial certificate, etc.), the first amendment of the subject reissue application must be made relative to the patent specification as changed by the prior proceeding or other mechanism for changing the patent. All amendments subsequent to the first amendment must also be made relative to the patent specification in effect as of the date of the filing of the reissue application, and not relative to the prior amendment.
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
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When a copy of a first reissue patent is presented 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.
Sequence Listing Format
All amendment changes must be made relative to the patent to be reissued. Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(d), any such changes which are made to the specification, including the claims but excluding “Large Tables” submitted in ASCII plain text as defined in 37 CFR 1.58(c), a “Computer Program Listing Appendix” as defined in 37 CFR 1.96(c), a “Sequence Listing” as defined in 37 CFR 1.821(c) and a “Sequence Listing XML” defined in 37 CFR 1.831(a), must be shown by employing the following “ markings ”:
- (A) The matter to be omitted by reissue must be enclosed in brackets; and
- (B) The matter to be added by reissue must be underlined.
All amendment changes must be made relative to the patent to be reissued. Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(d), any such changes which are made to the specification, including the claims but excluding “Large Tables” submitted in ASCII plain text as defined in 37 CFR 1.58(c), a “Computer Program Listing Appendix” as defined in 37 CFR 1.96(c), a “Sequence Listing” as defined in 37 CFR 1.821(c) and a “Sequence Listing XML” defined in 37 CFR 1.831(a), must be shown by employing the following “ markings ”:
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(B) The matter to be added by reissue must be underlined.
37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(i) relates to the manner of making amendments to the specification other than the claims, “Large Tables” submitted in ASCII plain text (37 CFR 1.58(c)), a “Computer Program Listing Appendix” (37 CFR 1.96(c)), a “Sequence Listing” (37 CFR 1.821(c)) or a “Sequence Listing XML” (37 CFR 1.831(a)). It is also not to be used for making amendments to the drawings. Changes to "Large Tables" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.58(g). Changes to a "Computer Program Listing Appendix" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.96(c)(5). Changes to a "Sequence Listing" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.825. Changes to a “Sequence Listing XML” must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.835. See 37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(ii).
37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(i) relates to the manner of making amendments to the specification other than the claims, “Large Tables” submitted in ASCII plain text (37 CFR 1.58(c)), a “Computer Program Listing Appendix” (37 CFR 1.96(c)), a “Sequence Listing” (37 CFR 1.821(c)) or a “Sequence Listing XML” (37 CFR 1.831(a)). It is also not to be used for making amendments to the drawings. Changes to "Large Tables" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.58(g). Changes to a "Computer Program Listing Appendix" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.96(c)(5). Changes to a "Sequence Listing" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.825. Changes to a “Sequence Listing XML” must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.835. See 37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(ii).
37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(i) relates to the manner of making amendments to the specification other than the claims, “Large Tables” submitted in ASCII plain text (37 CFR 1.58(c)), a “Computer Program Listing Appendix” (37 CFR 1.96(c)), a “Sequence Listing” (37 CFR 1.821(c)) or a “Sequence Listing XML” (37 CFR 1.831(a)). It is also not to be used for making amendments to the drawings. Changes to "Large Tables" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.58(g). Changes to a "Computer Program Listing Appendix" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.96(c)(5). Changes to a "Sequence Listing" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.825. Changes to a “Sequence Listing XML” must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.835. See 37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(ii).
37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(i) relates to the manner of making amendments to the specification other than the claims, “Large Tables” submitted in ASCII plain text (37 CFR 1.58(c)), a “Computer Program Listing Appendix” (37 CFR 1.96(c)), a “Sequence Listing” (37 CFR 1.821(c)) or a “Sequence Listing XML” (37 CFR 1.831(a)). It is also not to be used for making amendments to the drawings. Changes to "Large Tables" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.58(g). Changes to a "Computer Program Listing Appendix" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.96(c)(5). Changes to a "Sequence Listing" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.825. Changes to a “Sequence Listing XML” must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.835. See 37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(ii).
Reissue Application Filing
Amendments submitted in a reissue application, including preliminary amendments (i.e., amendments filed as a separate paper to accompany the filing of a reissue application), must comply with the practice outlined below in this section. The exception for examiner’s amendments to the specification and claims set forth in 37 CFR 1.121(g) does not apply in reissue applications.
Even though original claims may have been canceled, the numbering of the original claims does not change. Accordingly, any added claims are numbered beginning with the number next higher than the number of claims in the original patent. If new claims have been added to the reissue application which are later canceled before issuance of the reissue patent, the examiner will renumber any remaining new claims in numerical order to follow the number of claims in the original patent.
Even though original claims may have been canceled, the numbering of the original claims does not change. Accordingly, any added claims are numbered beginning with the number next higher than the number of claims in the original patent. If new claims have been added to the reissue application which are later canceled before issuance of the reissue patent, the examiner will renumber any remaining new claims in numerical order to follow the number of claims in the original patent.
Support in Original Patent
Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(a), no amendment in a reissue application may enlarge the scope of the claims, unless “applied for within two years from the grant of the original patent.” Further, the amendment may not introduce new matter. See MPEP § 1412.03 for further discussion as to the time limitation on enlarging the scope of the patent claims in a reissue application.
Also pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(c), each claim amendment must be accompanied by an explanation of the support in the disclosure of the patent for the amendment (i.e., support for all changes made in the claim(s), whether insertions or deletions). The failure to submit an explanation will generally result in a notification to applicant that the amendment before final rejection is not completely responsive (see 37 CFR 1.135(c)). Such an amendment after final rejection will not be entered.
An amendment of a “new claim” (i.e., a claim not found in the patent, that was previously presented in the reissue application) must be done by presenting the amended “new claim” containing the amendatory material, and completely underlining the claim, including the claim number. Examiners may accept an amendment even if the claim number is not underlined or the status identifier(s) used is not a status identifier recommended by 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) or 1.121(c). Although 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) does not require using the status identifier “new”, its use is recommended so that examiners can easily identify the presentation of new claim(s). The presentation cannot contain any bracketing or other indication of what was in the previous version of the claim. This is because all changes in the reissue are made vis-à-vis the original patent, and not in comparison to the prior amendment. Although the presentation of the amended claim does not contain any indication of what is changed from the previous version of the claim, applicant must point out what is changed in the “Remarks” portion of the amendment. Also, per 37 CFR 1.173(c), each change made in the claim must be accompanied by an explanation of the support in the disclosure of the patent for the change.
Column and Line References
All amendments submitted under 37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(i), which include any deletions or additions, must be made by submission of the entire text of each added or rewritten paragraph with markings (single brackets and underlining), except that an entire paragraph of specification text may be deleted by a statement deleting the paragraph without presentation of the text of the paragraph. Applicant must indicate the precise point where any added or rewritten paragraph is located. All bracketing and underlining is made in comparison to the original patent, not in comparison to any prior amendment in the reissue application. Thus, all paragraphs which are newly added to the specification of the original patent must be submitted as completely underlined each time they are re-submitted in the reissue application.
Form paragraph 14.20.01 may be used to advise applicant of the proper manner of making amendments in a reissue application.
Form paragraph 14.21.01 may be used to notify applicant that proposed amendments filed before final rejection in the reissue application do not comply with 37 CFR 1.173(b).
Final Office Action
1. This form paragraph may be used for any 37 CFR 1.173(b) informality as to an amendment submitted in a reissue application prior to final rejection. After final rejection, applicant should be informed that the amendment will not be entered by way of an Advisory Office action.
1. This form paragraph may be used for any 37 CFR 1.173(b) informality as to an amendment submitted in a reissue application prior to final rejection. After final rejection, applicant should be informed that the amendment will not be entered by way of an Advisory Office action.
Note that if an informal amendment is submitted after final rejection, form paragraph 14.21.01 should not be used. Rather, an advisory Office action should be issued using Form PTOL-303 indicating that the amendment was not entered because it does not comply with 37 CFR 1.173(b), which sets forth the manner of making amendments in reissue applications.
Format for New Reissue Claims
Each new claim (i.e., a claim not found in the patent, that is newly presented in the reissue application) should be presented with underlining throughout the claim, including the claim number. Examiners may accept an amendment even if the claim number is not underlined or the status identifier(s) used is not a status identifier recommended by 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) or 1.121(c). Although 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) does not require using the status identifier “new”, its use is recommended so that examiners can easily identify the presentation of new claim(s). For example,
Each new claim (i.e., a claim not found in the patent, that is newly presented in the reissue application) should be presented with underlining throughout the claim, including the claim number. Examiners may accept an amendment even if the claim number is not underlined or the status identifier(s) used is not a status identifier recommended by 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) or 1.121(c). Although 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) does not require using the status identifier “new”, its use is recommended so that examiners can easily identify the presentation of new claim(s). For example,
An amendment of a “new claim” (i.e., a claim not found in the patent, that was previously presented in the reissue application) must be done by presenting the amended “new claim” containing the amendatory material, and completely underlining the claim, including the claim number. Examiners may accept an amendment even if the claim number is not underlined or the status identifier(s) used is not a status identifier recommended by 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) or 1.121(c). Although 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) does not require using the status identifier “new”, its use is recommended so that examiners can easily identify the presentation of new claim(s). The presentation cannot contain any bracketing or other indication of what was in the previous version of the claim. This is because all changes in the reissue are made vis-à-vis the original patent, and not in comparison to the prior amendment. Although the presentation of the amended claim does not contain any indication of what is changed from the previous version of the claim, applicant must point out what is changed in the “Remarks” portion of the amendment. Also, per 37 CFR 1.173(c), each change made in the claim must be accompanied by an explanation of the support in the disclosure of the patent for the change.
Claim Status Identifiers in Reissue
An amendment of a “new claim” (i.e., a claim not found in the patent, that was previously presented in the reissue application) must be done by presenting the amended “new claim” containing the amendatory material, and completely underlining the claim, including the claim number. Examiners may accept an amendment even if the claim number is not underlined or the status identifier(s) used is not a status identifier recommended by 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) or 1.121(c). Although 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) does not require using the status identifier “new”, its use is recommended so that examiners can easily identify the presentation of new claim(s). The presentation cannot contain any bracketing or other indication of what was in the previous version of the claim. This is because all changes in the reissue are made vis-à-vis the original patent, and not in comparison to the prior amendment. Although the presentation of the amended claim does not contain any indication of what is changed from the previous version of the claim, applicant must point out what is changed in the “Remarks” portion of the amendment. Also, per 37 CFR 1.173(c), each change made in the claim must be accompanied by an explanation of the support in the disclosure of the patent for the change.
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text. (A) For a reissue application, where the patent was previously reissued: As per MPEP § 1411, double underlining and double bracketing are used in the second reissue application to show amendments made relative to the first reissue patent
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
…
(E) Making amendments in an application for reissue of a previously reissued patent:
Showing Deleted Matter (Brackets)
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
…
Further, any text deleted by certificate of correction is entirely omitted in the amendment (made in the reissue application).
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
…
A disclaimed claim must be deleted by a direction to strike through the claim, i.e., the statutorily disclaimed claim(s) should be lined through, and not surrounded by brackets.
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
…
Subject matter to be deleted from the first reissue patent should be presented in the second reissue application within sets of double brackets.
Claim Amendments
Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(c), each amendment submitted must set forth the status of all patent claims and all added claims as of the date of the submission. The status to be set forth is whether the claim is pending or canceled. The failure to submit the claim status will generally result in a notification to applicant that the amendment before final rejection is not completely responsive (see 37 CFR 1.135(c)). Such an amendment after final rejection will not be entered.
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
…
(D) For a reissue application, where a statutory disclaimer has issued for the patent: Any claim statutorily disclaimed is no longer in the patent, and such a claim cannot be amended.
Form of Reissue Patent
When a reissue patent is printed, all underlined matter is printed in italics and all brackets are printed as inserted in the application, in order to show exactly which additions and deletions have been made to the patent being reissued. Therefore, all underlining and bracketing in the reissue application should be made relative to the text of the patent, as follows. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.173(g), all amendments in the reissue application must be made relative to (i.e. vis-à-vis) the patent specification in effect as of the date of the filing of the reissue application. The patent specification includes the claims and drawings. If there was a prior change to the patent (made via a prior concluded reexamination certificate, reissue of the patent, certificate of correction, PTAB trial certificate, etc.), the first amendment of the subject reissue application must be made relative to the patent specification as changed by the prior proceeding or other mechanism for changing the patent. All amendments subsequent to the first amendment must also be made relative to the patent specification in effect as of the date of the filing of the reissue application, and not relative to the prior amendment.
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
…
Examples of the form for a twice-reissued patent (a reissue of a reissue) are found in Re. 23,558 and Re. 28,488.
Reexamination Certificate
When a reissue patent is printed, all underlined matter is printed in italics and all brackets are printed as inserted in the application, in order to show exactly which additions and deletions have been made to the patent being reissued. Therefore, all underlining and bracketing in the reissue application should be made relative to the text of the patent, as follows. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.173(g), all amendments in the reissue application must be made relative to (i.e. vis-à-vis) the patent specification in effect as of the date of the filing of the reissue application. The patent specification includes the claims and drawings. If there was a prior change to the patent (made via a prior concluded reexamination certificate, reissue of the patent, certificate of correction, PTAB trial certificate, etc.), the first amendment of the subject reissue application must be made relative to the patent specification as changed by the prior proceeding or other mechanism for changing the patent. All amendments subsequent to the first amendment must also be made relative to the patent specification in effect as of the date of the filing of the reissue application, and not relative to the prior amendment.
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
…
For example, all italicized text of the reexamination certificate is presented in the amendment (made in the reissue application) without italics.
No New Matter in Reissue
Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(a), no amendment in a reissue application may enlarge the scope of the claims, unless “applied for within two years from the grant of the original patent.” Further, the amendment may not introduce new matter. See MPEP § 1412.03 for further discussion as to the time limitation on enlarging the scope of the patent claims in a reissue application.
Sequence Listing Requirements
37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(i) relates to the manner of making amendments to the specification other than the claims, “Large Tables” submitted in ASCII plain text (37 CFR 1.58(c)), a “Computer Program Listing Appendix” (37 CFR 1.96(c)), a “Sequence Listing” (37 CFR 1.821(c)) or a “Sequence Listing XML” (37 CFR 1.831(a)). It is also not to be used for making amendments to the drawings. Changes to "Large Tables" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.58(g). Changes to a "Computer Program Listing Appendix" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.96(c)(5). Changes to a "Sequence Listing" must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.825. Changes to a “Sequence Listing XML” must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.835. See 37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(ii).
Entire Document Submission in Reissue
All amendments submitted under 37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(i), which include any deletions or additions, must be made by submission of the entire text of each added or rewritten paragraph with markings (single brackets and underlining), except that an entire paragraph of specification text may be deleted by a statement deleting the paragraph without presentation of the text of the paragraph. Applicant must indicate the precise point where any added or rewritten paragraph is located. All bracketing and underlining is made in comparison to the original patent, not in comparison to any prior amendment in the reissue application. Thus, all paragraphs which are newly added to the specification of the original patent must be submitted as completely underlined each time they are re-submitted in the reissue application.
Changes Relative to Patent
All amendments submitted under 37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(i), which include any deletions or additions, must be made by submission of the entire text of each added or rewritten paragraph with markings (single brackets and underlining), except that an entire paragraph of specification text may be deleted by a statement deleting the paragraph without presentation of the text of the paragraph. Applicant must indicate the precise point where any added or rewritten paragraph is located. All bracketing and underlining is made in comparison to the original patent, not in comparison to any prior amendment in the reissue application. Thus, all paragraphs which are newly added to the specification of the original patent must be submitted as completely underlined each time they are re-submitted in the reissue application.
Advisory Action (PTOL-303)
Note that if an informal amendment is submitted after final rejection, form paragraph 14.21.01 should not be used. Rather, an advisory Office action should be issued using Form PTOL-303 indicating that the amendment was not entered because it does not comply with 37 CFR 1.173(b), which sets forth the manner of making amendments in reissue applications.
Reissue Patent Practice
A substantial number of problems arise in the Office because of improper submission of amendments in reissue applications. In regard to status identifiers, examiners may accept an amendment even if the status identifier used is not a status identifier recommended by 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) or 1.121(c).
Numbering New Reissue Claims
Each new claim (i.e., a claim not found in the patent, that is newly presented in the reissue application) should be presented with underlining throughout the claim, including the claim number. Examiners may accept an amendment even if the claim number is not underlined or the status identifier(s) used is not a status identifier recommended by 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) or 1.121(c). Although 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) does not require using the status identifier “new”, its use is recommended so that examiners can easily identify the presentation of new claim(s). For example,
Adding New Claims in Reissue
Each new claim (i.e., a claim not found in the patent, that is newly presented in the reissue application) should be presented with underlining throughout the claim, including the claim number. Examiners may accept an amendment even if the claim number is not underlined or the status identifier(s) used is not a status identifier recommended by 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) or 1.121(c). Although 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) does not require using the status identifier “new”, its use is recommended so that examiners can easily identify the presentation of new claim(s). For example,
Reissue Claim Requirements
Even though original claims may have been canceled, the numbering of the original claims does not change. Accordingly, any added claims are numbered beginning with the number next higher than the number of claims in the original patent. If new claims have been added to the reissue application which are later canceled before issuance of the reissue patent, the examiner will renumber any remaining new claims in numerical order to follow the number of claims in the original patent.
Reissue Amendment Format
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
…
Double underlining and double bracketing are used in the second reissue application, while bold -faced type and double bracketing appear in the printed patent (the second reissue patent) to indicate further insertions and deletions, respectively, in the second reissue patent.
Citations
| Primary topic | Citation |
|---|---|
| Reissue Application Filing Reissue Filing Requirements | 37 CFR § 1.121(g) |
| Amendments in Reissue | 37 CFR § 1.121(i) |
| Amendments in Reissue Claim Amendments Procedure for Canceling Claims Support in Original Patent | 37 CFR § 1.135(c) |
| No New Matter in Reissue Support in Original Patent | 37 CFR § 1.173(a) |
| Reissue Filing Requirements | 37 CFR § 1.173(a)(2) |
| Advisory Action (PTOL-303) Amendments in Reissue Column and Line References Final Office Action | 37 CFR § 1.173(b) |
| Changes Relative to Patent Column and Line References Entire Document Submission in Reissue Sequence Listing Format Sequence Listing Requirements | 37 CFR § 1.173(b)(1)(i) |
| Sequence Listing Format Sequence Listing Requirements | 37 CFR § 1.173(b)(1)(ii) |
| Adding New Claims in Reissue Amendments in Reissue Claim Status Identifiers in Reissue Format for New Reissue Claims Numbering New Reissue Claims Procedure for Canceling Claims Reissue Patent Practice Support in Original Patent Types of Claim Status in Reissue | 37 CFR § 1.173(b)(2) |
| Reissue Filing Requirements | 37 CFR § 1.173(b)(3) |
| Amendments in Reissue Claim Amendments Claim Status Identifiers in Reissue Format for New Reissue Claims Procedure for Canceling Claims Support in Original Patent Types of Claim Status in Reissue | 37 CFR § 1.173(c) |
| Sequence Listing Format | 37 CFR § 1.173(d) |
| Types of Claim Status in Reissue | 37 CFR § 1.173(e) |
| Form of Reissue Patent Reexamination Certificate Reissue Filing Requirements | 37 CFR § 1.173(g) |
| Sequence Listing Format Sequence Listing Requirements | 37 CFR § 1.58(c) |
| Sequence Listing Format Sequence Listing Requirements | 37 CFR § 1.58(g) |
| Sequence Listing Format Sequence Listing Requirements | 37 CFR § 1.821(c) |
| Sequence Listing Format Sequence Listing Requirements | 37 CFR § 1.825 |
| Sequence Listing Format Sequence Listing Requirements | 37 CFR § 1.831(a) |
| Sequence Listing Format Sequence Listing Requirements | 37 CFR § 1.835 |
| Sequence Listing Format Sequence Listing Requirements | 37 CFR § 1.96(c) |
| Sequence Listing Format Sequence Listing Requirements | 37 CFR § 1.96(c)(5) |
| Claim Status Identifiers in Reissue Types of Claim Status in Reissue | MPEP § 1411 |
| No New Matter in Reissue Support in Original Patent | MPEP § 1412.03 |
| Reissue Filing Requirements | MPEP § 1413 |
| Column and Line References | Form Paragraph § 14.20.01 |
| Advisory Action (PTOL-303) Column and Line References Final Office Action | Form Paragraph § 14.21.01 |
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.
Official MPEP § 1453 — Amendments to Reissue Applications
Source: USPTO1453 Amendments to Reissue Applications [R-01.2024]
37 CFR 1.121 Manner of making amendments in applications.
*****
- (i) Amendments in reissue applications. Any amendment to the description and claims in reissue applications must be made in accordance with § 1.173.
*****
37 CFR 1.173 Reissue specification, drawings, and amendments.
*****
- (b) Making amendments in a reissue application. An amendment in a
reissue application is made either by physically incorporating the changes into
the specification when the application is filed, or by a separate amendment paper.
If amendment is made by incorporation, markings pursuant to paragraph (d) of this
section must be used. If amendment is made by an amendment paper, the paper must
direct that specified changes be made, as follows:
- (1) Specification other than the claims, “Large Tables” (§ 1.58(c)), a
“Computer Program Listing Appendix” (§ 1.96(c)), a “Sequence Listing” (§
1.821(c), or a “Sequence Listing XML” (§ 1.831(a)).
- (i) Changes to the specification, other than to the claims, “Large Tables” (§ 1.58(c)), a “Computer Program Listing Appendix” (§ 1.96(c)), a “Sequence Listing” (§ 1.821(c)), or a “Sequence Listing XML” (§ 1.831(a)) must be made by submission of the entire text of an added or rewritten paragraph, including markings pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section, except that an entire paragraph may be deleted by a statement deleting the paragraph without presentation of the text of the paragraph. The precise point in the specification where any added or rewritten paragraph is located must be identified.
- (ii) Changes to “Large Tables,” a “Computer Program Listing Appendix,” a “Sequence Listing,” or a “Sequence Listing XML” must be made in accordance with § 1.58(g) for “Large Tables,” § 1.96(c)(5) for a “Computer Program Listing Appendix,” § 1.825 for a “Sequence Listing,” and § 1.835 for a “Sequence Listing XML.”
- (2) Claims. An amendment paper must include the entire text of each claim being changed by such amendment paper and of each claim being added by such amendment paper. For any claim changed by the amendment paper, a parenthetical expression “amended,” “twice amended,” etc., should follow the claim number. Each changed patent claim and each added claim must include markings pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section, except that a patent claim or added claim should be canceled by a statement canceling the claim without presentation of the text of the claim.
- (3) Drawings. One or more patent drawings shall be amended in
the following manner: Any changes to a patent drawing must be submitted as a
replacement sheet of drawings which shall be an attachment to the amendment
document. Any replacement sheet of drawings must be in compliance with
§
1.84 and shall include all of the figures appearing on
the original version of the sheet, even if only one figure is amended.
Amended figures must be identified as “Amended,” and any added figure must
be identified as “New.” In the event that a figure is canceled, the figure
must be surrounded by brackets and identified as “Canceled.” All changes to
the drawing(s) shall be explained, in detail, beginning on a separate sheet
accompanying the papers including the amendment to the drawings.
- (i) A marked-up copy of any amended drawing figure, including annotations indicating the changes made, may be included. The marked-up copy must be clearly labeled as “Annotated Marked-up Drawings” and must be presented in the amendment or remarks section that explains the change to the drawings.
- (ii) A marked-up copy of any amended drawing figure, including annotations indicating the changes made, must be provided when required by the examiner.
- (1) Specification other than the claims, “Large Tables” (§ 1.58(c)), a
“Computer Program Listing Appendix” (§ 1.96(c)), a “Sequence Listing” (§
1.821(c), or a “Sequence Listing XML” (§ 1.831(a)).
- (c) Status of claims and support for claim changes. Whenever there is an amendment to the claims pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, there must also be supplied, on pages separate from the pages containing the changes, the status (i.e., pending or canceled), as of the date of the amendment, of all patent claims and of all added claims, and an explanation of the support in the disclosure of the patent for the changes made to the claims.
- (d) Changes shown by markings. Any changes
relative to the patent being reissued that are made to the specification,
including the claims but excluding “Large Tables” (§ 1.58(c)), a
“Computer Program Listing Appendix” (§ 1.96(c)), a
“Sequence Listing” (§ 1.821(c)), and a “Sequence Listing XML” (§
1.831(a)) upon filing or by an amendment paper in the
reissue application, must include the following markings:
- (1) The matter to be omitted by reissue must be enclosed in brackets; and
- (2) The matter to be added by reissue must be underlined.
- (e) Numbering of patent claims preserved. Patent claims may not be renumbered. The numbering of any claim added in the reissue application must follow the number of the highest numbered patent claim.
- (f) Amendment of disclosure may be required. The disclosure must be amended, when required by the Office, to correct inaccuracies of description and definition, and to secure substantial correspondence between the claims, the remainder of the specification, and the drawings.
- (g) Amendments made relative to the patent. All amendments must be made relative to the patent specification, including the claims, and drawings, which are in effect as of the date of filing of the reissue application.
The provisions of 37 CFR 1.173(b)-(g) and those of 37 CFR 1.121(i) apply to amendments in reissue applications.
Amendments submitted in a reissue application, including preliminary amendments (i.e., amendments filed as a separate paper to accompany the filing of a reissue application), must comply with the practice outlined below in this section. The exception for examiner’s amendments to the specification and claims set forth in 37 CFR 1.121(g) does not apply in reissue applications.
Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(a), no amendment in a reissue application may enlarge the scope of the claims, unless “applied for within two years from the grant of the original patent.” Further, the amendment may not introduce new matter. See MPEP § 1412.03 for further discussion as to the time limitation on enlarging the scope of the patent claims in a reissue application.
All amendment changes must be made relative to the patent to be reissued. Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(d), any such changes which are made to the specification, including the claims but excluding “Large Tables” submitted in ASCII plain text as defined in 37 CFR 1.58(c), a “Computer Program Listing Appendix” as defined in 37 CFR 1.96(c), a “Sequence Listing” as defined in 37 CFR 1.821(c) and a “Sequence Listing XML” defined in 37 CFR 1.831(a), must be shown by employing the following “markings”:
- (A) The matter to be omitted by reissue must be enclosed in brackets; and
- (B) The matter to be added by reissue must be underlined.
37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(i) relates to the manner of making amendments to the specification other than the claims, “Large Tables” submitted in ASCII plain text (37 CFR 1.58(c)), a “Computer Program Listing Appendix” (37 CFR 1.96(c)), a “Sequence Listing” (37 CFR 1.821(c)) or a “Sequence Listing XML” (37 CFR 1.831(a)). It is also not to be used for making amendments to the drawings. Changes to “Large Tables” must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.58(g). Changes to a “Computer Program Listing Appendix” must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.96(c)(5). Changes to a “Sequence Listing” must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.825. Changes to a “Sequence Listing XML” must be made in accordance with 37 CFR 1.835. See 37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(ii).
All amendments submitted under 37 CFR 1.173(b)(1)(i), which include any deletions or additions, must be made by submission of the entire text of each added or rewritten paragraph with markings (single brackets and underlining), except that an entire paragraph of specification text may be deleted by a statement deleting the paragraph without presentation of the text of the paragraph. Applicant must indicate the precise point where any added or rewritten paragraph is located. All bracketing and underlining is made in comparison to the original patent, not in comparison to any prior amendment in the reissue application. Thus, all paragraphs which are newly added to the specification of the original patent must be submitted as completely underlined each time they are re-submitted in the reissue application.
II. THE CLAIMS37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) relates to the manner of making amendments to the claims in reissue applications. It is not to be used for making amendments to the remainder of the specification or to the drawings. 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) requires that:
- (A) For each claim that is being amended by the amendment being submitted (the current amendment), the entire text of the claim must be presented with markings as defined above;
- (B) For each new claim added to the reissue by the amendment being submitted (the current amendment), the entire text of the added claim must be presented completely underlined;
- (C) A patent claim should be canceled by a direction to cancel that claim, there is no need to present the patent claim surrounded by brackets; and
- (D) A new claim (previously added in the reissue) should be canceled by a direction to cancel that claim.
Original patent claims are never to be renumbered; see 37 CFR 1.173(e). A patent claim retains its number even if it is canceled in the reissue proceeding, and the numbering of any added claims must begin after the last original patent claim.
Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(c), each amendment submitted must set forth the status of all patent claims and all added claims as of the date of the submission. The status to be set forth is whether the claim is pending or canceled. The failure to submit the claim status will generally result in a notification to applicant that the amendment before final rejection is not completely responsive (see 37 CFR 1.135(c)). Such an amendment after final rejection will not be entered.
Also pursuant to 37 CFR 1.173(c), each claim amendment must be accompanied by an explanation of the support in the disclosure of the patent for the amendment (i.e., support for all changes made in the claim(s), whether insertions or deletions). The failure to submit an explanation will generally result in a notification to applicant that the amendment before final rejection is not completely responsive (see 37 CFR 1.135(c)). Such an amendment after final rejection will not be entered.
III. THE DRAWINGS37 CFR 1.173(a)(2) states that amendments to the original patent drawings are not permitted, and that any change to the drawings must be by way of 37 CFR 1.173(b)(3). See MPEP § 1413 for the manner of making amendments to the drawings in a reissue application.
Form paragraph 14.20.01 may be used to advise applicant of the proper manner of making amendments in a reissue application.
¶ 14.20.01 Amendments To Reissue-37 CFR 1.173(b)
Applicant is notified that any subsequent amendment to the specification and/or claims must comply with 37 CFR 1.173(b). In addition, for reissue applications filed before September 16, 2012, when any substantive amendment is filed in the reissue application, which amendment otherwise places the reissue application in condition for allowance, a supplemental oath/declaration will be required. See MPEP § 1414.01.
Examiner Note:
This form paragraph may be used in the first Office action to advise applicant of the proper manner of making amendments, and to notify applicant of the need to file a supplemental oath/declaration before the application can be allowed.
Form paragraph 14.21.01 may be used to notify applicant that proposed amendments filed before final rejection in the reissue application do not comply with 37 CFR 1.173(b).
¶ 14.21.01 Improper Amendment To Reissue – 37 CFR 1.173(b)
The amendment filed [1] proposes amendments to [2] that do not comply with 37 CFR 1.173(b), which sets forth the manner of making amendments in reissue applications. A supplemental paper correctly amending the reissue application is required.
A shortened statutory period for reply to this letter is set to expire TWO MONTHS from the mailing date of this letter.
Examiner Note:
- 1. This form paragraph may be used for any 37 CFR 1.173(b) informality as to an amendment submitted in a reissue application prior to final rejection. After final rejection, applicant should be informed that the amendment will not be entered by way of an Advisory Office action.
- 2. In bracket 2, specify the proposed amendments that are not in compliance.
Note that if an informal amendment is submitted after final rejection, form paragraph 14.21.01 should not be used. Rather, an advisory Office action should be issued using Form PTOL-303 indicating that the amendment was not entered because it does not comply with 37 CFR 1.173(b), which sets forth the manner of making amendments in reissue applications.
IV. ALL CHANGES ARE MADE VIS-À-VIS THE PATENT TO BE REISSUEDWhen a reissue patent is printed, all underlined matter is printed in italics and all brackets are printed as inserted in the application, in order to show exactly which additions and deletions have been made to the patent being reissued. Therefore, all underlining and bracketing in the reissue application should be made relative to the text of the patent, as follows. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.173(g), all amendments in the reissue application must be made relative to (i.e. vis-à-vis) the patent specification in effect as of the date of the filing of the reissue application. The patent specification includes the claims and drawings. If there was a prior change to the patent (made via a prior concluded reexamination certificate, reissue of the patent, certificate of correction, PTAB trial certificate, etc.), the first amendment of the subject reissue application must be made relative to the patent specification as changed by the prior proceeding or other mechanism for changing the patent. All amendments subsequent to the first amendment must also be made relative to the patent specification in effect as of the date of the filing of the reissue application, and not relative to the prior amendment.
A. The Subject Patent Already Has Underlining or BracketingIf the original (or previously changed) patent includes a formula or equation already having underlining or bracketing therein as part of the formula or equation, any amendment of such formula or equation should be made by bracketing the entire formula and rewriting and totally underlining the amended formula in the re-presented paragraph of the specification or rewritten claim in which the changed formula or equation appears. Amendments of segments of a formula or equation should not be made. If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reissue, double brackets and double underlining should be used in the subject reissue application to identify and distinguish the present changes being made. The subject reissue, when printed, would include double brackets (indicating deletions made in the subject reissue) and boldface type (indicating material added in the subject reissue). If the original patent includes bracketing and underlining from an earlier reexamination, the reissue application must be presented as if the changes made to the original patent text via the reexamination certificate are a part of the original patent. Thus, all italicized text of the reexamination certificate is presented in the amendment (made in the reissue application) without italics. Further, any text found in brackets in the reexamination certificate is omitted in the amendment (made in the reissue application). Any canceled claims resulting from the reexamination will be lined through.
V. EXAMPLES OF PROPER AMENDMENTSA substantial number of problems arise in the Office because of improper submission of amendments in reissue applications. In regard to status identifiers, examiners may accept an amendment even if the status identifier used is not a status identifier recommended by 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) or 1.121(c).
The following examples are provided to assist in preparation of proper amendments to reissue applications.
A. Original Patent Description or Patent Claim AmendedIf it is desired to change the specification at column 4, line 23, to replace “is” with –are–, submit a copy of the entire paragraph of specification of the patent being amended with underlining and bracketing, and point out where the paragraph is located, e.g.,
Replace the paragraph beginning at column 4, line 23 with the following:
Scanning [is] are controlled by clocks which are, in turn, controlled from the display tube line synchronization. The signals resulting from scanning the scope of the character are delivered in parallel, then converted into serial mode through a shift register wherein the shift signal frequency is controlled by a clock that is, in turn, controlled from the display tube line synchronization.
For changes to the claims, one must submit a copy of the entire patent claim with the amendments shown by underlining and bracketing, e.g.,
Amend claim 6 as follows:
Claim 6 (Amended). The apparatus of claim [5] 1 wherein the [first] second piezoelectric element is parallel to the [second] third piezoelectric element.
If the dependency of any original patent claim is to be changed by amendment, it is proper to make that original patent claim dependent upon a later filed higher numbered claim.
To cancel an original patent claim, in writing, direct cancellation of the patent claim, e.g.,
Cancel claim 6.
To cancel a new claim (previously added in the reissue), in writing, direct cancellation of the new claim, e.g.,
Cancel claim 15.
Each new claim (i.e., a claim not found in the patent, that is newly presented in the reissue application) should be presented with underlining throughout the claim, including the claim number. Examiners may accept an amendment even if the claim number is not underlined or the status identifier(s) used is not a status identifier recommended by 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) or 1.121(c). Although 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) does not require using the status identifier “new”, its use is recommended so that examiners can easily identify the presentation of new claim(s). For example,
Add claim 7 as follows:
Claim 7 (New). The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising electrodes attaching to said opposite faces of the first and second piezoelectric elements.
Even though original claims may have been canceled, the numbering of the original claims does not change. Accordingly, any added claims are numbered beginning with the number next higher than the number of claims in the original patent. If new claims have been added to the reissue application which are later canceled before issuance of the reissue patent, the examiner will renumber any remaining new claims in numerical order to follow the number of claims in the original patent.
An amendment of a “new claim” (i.e., a claim not found in the patent, that was previously presented in the reissue application) must be done by presenting the amended “new claim” containing the amendatory material, and completely underlining the claim, including the claim number. Examiners may accept an amendment even if the claim number is not underlined or the status identifier(s) used is not a status identifier recommended by 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) or 1.121(c). Although 37 CFR 1.173(b)(2) does not require using the status identifier “new”, its use is recommended so that examiners can easily identify the presentation of new claim(s). The presentation cannot contain any bracketing or other indication of what was in the previous version of the claim. This is because all changes in the reissue are made vis-à-vis the original patent, and not in comparison to the prior amendment. Although the presentation of the amended claim does not contain any indication of what is changed from the previous version of the claim, applicant must point out what is changed in the “Remarks” portion of the amendment. Also, per 37 CFR 1.173(c), each change made in the claim must be accompanied by an explanation of the support in the disclosure of the patent for the change.
The following is one example to illustrate a proper amendment of a new claim:
First Amendment (wherein claim 11 was first presented):
Claim 11 (New). A knife comprising a handle portion and a notched blade portion.
In the Remarks (supplied on a separate page):
Status: The present application includes pending claims 1-11, with claims 1 and 11 being independent. With this amendment, applicant has added new independent claim 11. Support for this new claim is found in column 4, lines 26-41, column 5, lines 3-18, and column 6, lines 5-15.
Second Amendment (wherein claim 11 is amended):
Claim 11 (New, amended). A fishing knife comprising a bone handle portion and a notched blade portion.
In the Remarks (supplied on a separate page):
Status: The present application includes pending claims 1-11, with claims 1 and 11 being independent. With this amendment, applicant has amended new independent claim 11 as described below.
Claim 11: Claim 11 is amended to add “fishing” before “knife” and “bone” before “handle”. Support for these changes is found in column 4, lines 34-41 and column 6, lines 5-8, respectively.
The following illustrates proper claim amendment of original patent claims in reissue applications:
A. Patent claim.
Claim 1. A cutting means having a handle portion and a blade portion.
B. Proper first amendment format.
Claim 1 (Amended). A [cutting means] knife having a bone handle portion and a notched blade portion.
C. Proper second amendment format.
Claim 1 (Twice Amended). A [cutting means] knife having a handle portion and a serrated blade portion.
Note that the second amendment must include the remaining changes previously presented in the first amendment, i.e., [cutting means] knife, as well as the new changes presented in the second amendment, i.e., serrated.
The word bone was presented in the first amendment and is now to be deleted in the second amendment. The word “bone” is NOT to be shown in brackets in the second amendment. Rather, the word “bone” is simply omitted from the claim, because “bone” never appeared in the patent. An explanation of the deletion should appear in the remarks.
The word notched which was presented in the first amendment is replaced by the word serrated in the second amendment. The word notched is being deleted in the second amendment and did not appear in the patent; accordingly, “notched” is not shown in any form in the claim. The word serrated is being added in the second amendment, and accordingly “serrated” is added to the claim and is underlined.
In the second amendment, the deletions of “notched” and “bone” are not changes from the original patent claim text and therefore are not shown in brackets in the second amendment. In both the first and the second amendments, the entire claim is presented only with the changes from the original patent text.
VI. ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES- (A) For a reissue application, where the patent was previously reissued: As per MPEP § 1411, double underlining and double bracketing are used in the second reissue application to show amendments made relative to the first reissue patent
- (B) For a reissue application, where the patent was previously
reexamined and a certificate has issued for the patent or the patent was subject
to a trial before the PTAB and a certificate has issued for the patent:
An amendment in the reissue application must be presented as if the changes made to the original patent text via the certificate are a part of the original patent. For example, all italicized text of the reexamination certificate is presented in the amendment (made in the reissue application) without italics. Further, any text found in brackets in the reexamination certificate is omitted in the amendment (made in the reissue application). A claim canceled by the certificate must be deleted by a direction to strike through the claim, i.e., the canceled claim(s) should be lined through, and not surrounded by brackets.
- (C) For a reissue application, where a certificate of correction has
issued for the patent:
An amendment in the reissue application must be presented as if the changes made to the original patent text via the certificate of correction are a part of the original patent. Thus, all text added by certificate of correction is presented in the amendment (made in the reissue application) without italics. Further, any text deleted by certificate of correction is entirely omitted in the amendment (made in the reissue application). A claim canceled by the certificate of correction must be deleted by a direction to strike through the claim, i.e., the canceled claim(s) should be lined through, and not surrounded by brackets.
- (D) For a reissue application, where a statutory disclaimer has
issued for the patent:
Any claim statutorily disclaimed is no longer in the patent, and such a claim cannot be amended. A disclaimed claim must be deleted by a direction to strike through the claim, i.e., the statutorily disclaimed claim(s) should be lined through, and not surrounded by brackets.
- (E) Making amendments in an application for reissue of a
previously reissued patent:
When a copy of a first reissue patent is presented 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. Examples of the form for a twice-reissued patent (a reissue of a reissue) are found in Re. 23,558 and Re. 28,488. Double underlining and double bracketing are used in the second reissue application, while bold-faced type and double bracketing appear in the printed patent (the second reissue patent) to indicate further insertions and deletions, respectively, in the second reissue patent.