What are the consequences of undescribed broken lines in international design application drawings?
Undescribed broken lines in international design application drawings can lead to a rejection under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) for indefiniteness. The MPEP provides a form paragraph for examiners to use in such cases: “The claim is rejected for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention as required in 35 U.S.C. 112(b). The claim…
Read MoreHow can applicants indicate matter not sought for protection in international design applications?
In international design applications, applicants can indicate matter shown in a reproduction for which protection is not sought using two methods, as per Administrative Instruction 403: In the description referred to in Rule 7(5)(a) By means of dotted or broken lines or coloring The MPEP advises: “When using broken or dotted lines or coloring in…
Read MoreHow should broken lines be used in international design application reproductions?
How should broken lines be used in international design application reproductions? Broken lines in international design application reproductions serve specific purposes and must be used correctly. The MPEP 2920.04(b) states: “Broken lines may be used to show visible environmental structure, but may not be used to show hidden planes and surfaces that cannot be seen…
Read MoreHow should broken lines be used in design patent drawings?
How should broken lines be used in design patent drawings? Broken lines play a crucial role in design patent drawings to indicate portions of an article that are not part of the claimed design. The MPEP 2909.02 provides specific guidance on their use: “Broken lines may be used to show visible environmental structure or to…
Read MoreHow are broken lines and coloring used in international design applications?
In international design applications, broken lines and coloring can be used to indicate matter shown in a reproduction for which protection is not sought. According to MPEP 2920.04(b): “In addition to the use of broken or dotted lines to indicate matter shown in a reproduction for which protection is not sought, Administrative Instruction 403 permits…
Read MoreHow are broken lines or coloring used in international design application drawings?
Broken lines and coloring in international design application drawings are used to indicate portions of the design for which protection is not sought. As stated in MPEP 2920.04(a): “Administrative Instruction 403 permits matter shown in a reproduction for which protection is not sought to be indicated in the description and/or by means of broken or…
Read MoreHow should changes to solid and broken lines be handled in a design patent reissue?
When handling changes to solid and broken lines in a design patent reissue, MPEP 1509 provides specific guidance: “If a drawing view includes both a cancelled and amended version, and the change in the amended version is for the purpose of converting certain solid lines to broken lines, the reissue specification must include a statement…
Read MoreCan a design patent cover multiple parts of a single article?
Yes, a design patent can cover multiple parts of a single article. The MPEP 1504.01(b) states: “The claim may also involve multiple parts of a single article, where the article is shown in broken lines and various parts are shown in solid lines.” In this scenario, the overall article is typically shown in broken (dashed)…
Read MoreHow should broken lines be described in a design patent specification?
Broken lines in design patent drawings require a specific description in the specification. According to MPEP 1503.01: “Where broken lines are used, they should be defined in the specification as forming no part of the claimed design or as showing the environment in which the article embodying the design is used.” Key points for describing…
Read MoreHow should computer-generated icons be depicted in design patent applications?
The MPEP 1504.01(a) provides specific guidance on how computer-generated icons should be depicted in design patent applications: The icon must be shown as it appears on a computer screen, monitor, or other display panel. The claimed design (the icon) must be depicted in solid lines. Unclaimed portions of the screen or monitor should be shown…
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