How should charts, tables, or chemical formulas be handled in reissue applications?
When dealing with charts, tables, or chemical formulas in reissue applications, special care must be taken to maintain their integrity. The MPEP 1411 provides specific guidance:
“If a chart, table, or chemical formula is amended and it spans two columns of the patent, it should not be split. Rather, the chart, table, or chemical formula should be provided in its entirety as part of the column of the patent to which it pertains, in order to provide a continuity of the description.”
Key points to remember:
- Do not split charts, tables, or formulas that span two columns
- Include the entire chart, table, or formula in the column to which it primarily relates
- The element may extend beyond the width of the column if necessary
- Changes to chemical formulas must involve entire words or formulas, not parts
- Use substantially larger and darker brackets to show deletion of a chemical formula
These guidelines ensure the clarity and continuity of the technical information in the reissue application.
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