What happens when the Board affirms the examiner’s rejection but reverses rejections on dependent claims?

When the Board affirms a rejection against independent claims but reverses all rejections against dependent claims, the examiner has two options after the period for further appeal expires: Convert the dependent claims into independent form by examiner’s amendment, cancel all claims with affirmed rejections, and issue the application. Set a 2-month time limit for the…

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What are excess claims fees in patent applications?

Excess claims fees are charges that applicants must pay for claims that exceed certain thresholds in a patent application. According to MPEP 714.10: Applicant is required to pay excess claims fees for each claim that is in excess of 3 in independent form or in excess of 20 (whether dependent or independent). These fees are…

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How should a dependent claim be written to properly incorporate limitations from its parent claim?

How should a dependent claim be written to properly incorporate limitations from its parent claim? To properly incorporate limitations from a parent claim, a dependent claim should be written following these guidelines: Reference the parent claim: Begin the dependent claim by referring to the parent claim by number (e.g., “The device of claim 1, wherein…”).…

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