What are the different types of rejections in patent examination?
What are the different types of rejections in patent examination?
According to MPEP 706, there are several types of rejections that may be imposed during patent examination:
- Provisional rejections: These are rejections that may be overcome by amendment or submission of evidence.
- Final rejections: These are made on the second or subsequent examination or consideration of the application.
- Non-final rejections: These are typically the first rejections made in the examination process.
- Objections: These are raised for matters of form rather than substance.
The MPEP states: The refusal to grant claims because the subject matter as claimed is considered unpatentable is called a ‘rejection.’ The term ‘rejected’ must be applied to such claims in the examiner’s action.
Each type of rejection serves a specific purpose in the examination process.
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