How can I avoid a statutory double patenting rejection?
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.
A statutory double patenting rejection can be avoided by:
- Amending the conflicting claims so that they are not coextensive in scope
- Canceling the conflicting claims in all pending applications (if the conflicting claims are in one or more pending applications and a patent)
- Canceling the conflicting claims in all but one of the pending applications (if the conflicting claims are in two or more pending applications)
As stated in MPEP 804.02: “A terminal disclaimer is not effective in overcoming a statutory double patenting rejection.“