What is the role of the Office of Data Management in handling amendments under 37 CFR 1.312?

The Office of Data Management plays a crucial role in handling amendments under 37 CFR 1.312, particularly when preparing a patent for issuance. Their responsibilities include: Discovering errors in text or drawings Identifying inconsistencies between drawings and application papers Requiring appropriate amendments to the specification or drawings Having the authority to waive the requirement of…

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What types of amendments under 37 CFR 1.312 require supervisory patent examiner approval?

Amendments under 37 CFR 1.312 that require supervisory patent examiner approval include those that: Affect the disclosure of the specification Add claims Change the scope of any claim The MPEP states: Whenever an amendment under 37 CFR 1.312 affects the disclosure of the specification, adds claims, or changes the scope of any claim, the recommendation…

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What happens if an amendment under 37 CFR 1.312 adds claims exceeding the previously paid number?

If an amendment under 37 CFR 1.312 adds claims (both total and independent) that exceed the number previously paid for, additional fees are required. The MPEP 714.16(c) states: “If the amendment under 37 CFR 1.312 adds claims (total and independent) in excess of the number previously paid for, additional fees are required.” This means that…

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