What are the requirements for restricting between two or more related product or process inventions?
To support a requirement for restriction between two or more related product inventions, or between two or more related process inventions, two key elements are necessary: Two-way distinctness Reasons for insisting on restriction MPEP § 806.05(j) states: “To support a requirement for restriction between two or more related product inventions, or between two or more…
Read MoreHow are related product inventions considered distinct for restriction purposes?
Related product inventions are considered distinct for restriction purposes if they meet the following criteria: The inventions as claimed do not overlap in scope (i.e., are mutually exclusive) The inventions as claimed are not obvious variants The inventions as claimed are either not capable of use together or can have a materially different design, mode…
Read MoreWhat are the criteria for establishing distinctness between related product inventions?
To establish distinctness between related product inventions, the following criteria must be met: The inventions as claimed do not overlap in scope (i.e., are mutually exclusive) The inventions as claimed are not obvious variants The inventions as claimed are either not capable of use together or can have a materially different design, mode of operation,…
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