What constitutes a violation of the written description requirement when changing claim scope?

Changing the scope of claims after filing can violate the written description requirement of 35 U.S.C. 112(a) in several ways: Broadening claims by removing limitations Narrowing claims by adding unsupported elements Altering numerical range limitations Using claim language not synonymous with the original disclosure As stated in MPEP 2163.05: “The failure to meet the written…

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What are the implications of narrowing claims for the written description requirement?

Narrowing claims by introducing elements or limitations not supported by the as-filed disclosure can violate the written description requirement. The MPEP 2163.05 states: “The introduction of claim changes which involve narrowing the claims by introducing elements or limitations which are not supported by the as-filed disclosure is a violation of the written description requirement of…

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