How does MPEP 806.03 distinguish between distinct inventions and different definitions of the same subject matter?
MPEP 806.03 provides important guidance on distinguishing between distinct inventions and different definitions of the same subject matter. The section states:
“This is because the claims are not directed to distinct inventions; rather they are different definitions of the same disclosed subject matter, varying in breadth or scope of definition.”
This means that when multiple claims in a patent application describe the same core invention but with varying levels of detail or from different perspectives, they should be treated as part of the same invention. These claims are not considered distinct inventions requiring separation, but rather different ways of defining or describing the same underlying subject matter.
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