What are Form Paragraphs 7.48.aia and 7.48.fti in patent rejections?
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.
Form Paragraphs 7.48.aia and 7.48.fti are standardized text used by patent examiners to reject claims based on an applicant’s failure to present claims for interference. These paragraphs are described in MPEP 2304.04(c).
The main difference between the two is:
- 7.48.aia is used for applications filed on or after March 16, 2013, under the America Invents Act (AIA).
- 7.48.fti is used for applications filed before March 16, 2013, under the first-to-invent system.
Both paragraphs state: “Failure to present claims and/or take necessary steps for interference purposes after notification that interfering subject matter is claimed constitutes a disclaimer of the subject matter.”
These form paragraphs provide a standardized way for examiners to communicate rejections based on disclaimer due to failure to engage in interference proceedings.
- Rejections Based on Disclaimer Must Use Specific ParagraphsMPEP 2304.04(c)Recommended
- Requirement for Interference After NotificationMPEP 2304.04(c)Required
- Requirement for Interference Notification After Refusal to Copy ClaimsMPEP 2304.04(c)Required
- Form Paragraph Must Follow Specific ParagraphsMPEP 2304.04(c)Required
- Claims with Pre-AIA Filing Dates Require Special ExaminationMPEP 2304.04(c)Recommended
- Insert Patent Number and Explain Obviousness BasisMPEP 2304.04(c)
- Basis for Finding of Obviousness Must Be IncludedMPEP 2304.04(c)Recommended
- Requirement for Including Obvious VariantsMPEP 2304.04(c)Permitted