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…
Read MoreHow are range limitations evaluated under the written description requirement?
Range limitations are evaluated based on what one skilled in the art would consider inherently supported by the original disclosure. The MPEP 2163.05 provides guidance: “With respect to changing numerical range limitations, the analysis must take into account which ranges one skilled in the art would consider inherently supported by the discussion in the original…
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