How should items be numbered in a requirement for information during patent examination?

When preparing a requirement for information during patent examination, proper numbering of items is important for clarity and ease of response. According to MPEP 704.14(a):

The items within the requirement should be numbered consecutively.

This means that each separate piece of information requested should be assigned a unique number, starting from 1 and continuing in sequence. For example:

1. Provide a copy of any non-patent literature cited in the specification.
2. Explain the relevance of the cited non-patent literature to the claimed invention.
3. Identify any public use or sale of the claimed invention prior to the filing date.

Proper numbering helps in several ways:

• It allows the applicant to easily reference specific items in their response
• It helps the examiner track which items have been addressed
• It provides a clear structure to the requirement, making it easier to understand and follow

By following this numbering convention, both examiners and applicants can ensure a more organized and efficient process for addressing requirements for information.

To learn more:

• numbering items
• requirement for information
• patent examination
• MPEP 704.14(a)

To learn more:

• MPEP 704.14(a)