How does an examiner handle new matter in a patent application?

When an examiner detects new matter in a patent application, they must take specific actions:

1. Object to amendments introducing new matter using 35 U.S.C. 132(a).
2. Use Form Paragraph 7.28 to object to new matter added to the specification.
3. If new matter affects the claims, reject the claims under 35 U.S.C. 112(a).

The MPEP states:

If new matter is added to the claims, or affects the scope of the claims, the claims affected should be rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph, on the ground that it recites elements without support in the original disclosure.

To learn more:

• new matter
• patent examiner
• objection
• rejection
• 35 U.S.C. 132(a)
• 35 U.S.C. 112(a)

To learn more:

• 35 U.S.C. 132(a)
• 35 U.S.C. 112(a)