How can an applicant show possession of the claimed invention?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29 10 Rules 5 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. According to MPEP 2163.02 , an applicant can show possession of the claimed invention in several ways: Describing the claimed invention with all of its limitations using words, structures, figures, diagrams, and formulas Description of an actual reduction to practice Showing that the invention was “ready for patenting” through disclosure of drawings or structural chemical formulas Describing distinguishing identifying characteristics sufficient to show possession The MPEP cites the Lockwood v. Am. Airlines, Inc. case, stating: “ An applicant shows that the inventor was in possession of the claimed invention by describing the claimed invention with all of its limitations using such descriptive means as words, structures, figures, diagrams, and formulas that fully set forth the claimed invention. “ Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Description of Actual Reduction to Practice Using Deposit MPEP 2163 Permitted Requirement for Actual Reduction to Practice of Invention MPEP 2163 Prohibited Written Description Requirement for Genus MPEP 2163 Permitted Requirement for Complete Written Description of Invention MPEP 2163.02 Written Description Requirement Can Be Met with Function and Minimal Structure MPEP 2163 Permitted Requirement for Determining Written Description Compliance MPEP 2163 Written Description Requirement Ensures Claims Match Specification MPEP 2163 Inventor Must Be In Possession of Broad Claimed Invention MPEP 2163 Written Description Requirement for Genus Species MPEP 2163 Written Description Requirement Must Be Satisfied By Broad Disclosure MPEP 2163 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can an applicant amend the specification to meet the wri...