What criteria should guide an examiner in requiring a claim for interference?

When considering whether to require an applicant to add a claim for interference under 37 CFR 41.202(c), examiners should follow these principles: Examination of the application should be otherwise completed The required claim must not encompass prior art or be barred The application must provide adequate support under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) for the subject matter…

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What are the claim requirements for international design applications designating the United States?

For international design applications designating the United States, there are specific claim requirements: 1. The application must contain a claim. 2. The claim must use specific wording in formal terms. As stated in the MPEP, “Pursuant to Article 5(2)(a) and Rule 11(3), the United States declared that an international design application designating the United States…

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