How does the International Preliminary Examining Authority handle lack of unity of invention?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. When the International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) finds a lack…

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Can the International Preliminary Examining Authority examine inventions not searched by the International Searching Authority?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. No, the International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) cannot examine inventions…

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What is the difference between classification based on inventive concepts and claimed subject matter?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 9 Rules5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. The classification of patent documents based on inventive concepts differs…

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How does the introduction of species claims affect a patent application with only generic claims?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. The introduction of species claims to a patent application that…

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How should examiners interpret functional claim language?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. Examiners should interpret functional claim language by focusing on the…

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What are the differences in Internet searching for published vs. unpublished patent applications?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. The USPTO guidelines for Internet searching differ significantly between published and unpublished patent applications.…

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