What is the significance of the first Office action on the merits in relation to restriction practice?

The first Office action on the merits plays a crucial role in restriction practice. According to MPEP 818.02(a), it serves as a cutoff point for considering claims as originally presented for restriction purposes: “Where claims to another invention are properly added and entered in the application before the earlier of the mailing of a first…

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What constitutes “originally presented claims” for restriction purposes?

According to MPEP 818.02(a), “originally presented claims” for restriction purposes include: Claims presented upon filing the application Claims properly added and entered before the earlier of: The mailing of a first restriction requirement The mailing of a first Office action on the merits The MPEP states: “Where claims to another invention are properly added and…

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How does election by originally presented claims work in patent applications?

Election by originally presented claims is explained in MPEP 818.02(a). The key points are: Claims added before the first restriction requirement or first Office action on the merits are considered originally presented claims. These originally presented claims, along with those filed at application, determine the elected invention. This election carries over to any request for…

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