What are examiner’s amendments in patent applications?

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.

Examiner’s amendments are changes made to a patent application by the examiner, with the applicant’s authorization, to correct informalities or make minor adjustments. According to MPEP 1302.04, “An examiner’s amendment may be used to correct informalities in the body of the written portions of the specification as well as all errors and omissions in the claims.” These amendments can help expedite the patent prosecution process by addressing minor issues without requiring the applicant to file a formal amendment.