What are the form paragraphs used by examiners for 35 U.S.C. 112(f) related issues?

Patent examiners use specific form paragraphs to address issues related to 35 U.S.C. 112(f) in their office actions. According to MPEP § 2187, the key form paragraphs include:

• 7.30.03.h: Header for Claim Interpretation
• 7.30.03: Statement of Statutory Basis, 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph
• 7.30.05: Broadest Reasonable Interpretation under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, Sixth Paragraph
• 7.30.06: 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, Sixth Paragraph, Invoked Despite Absence of “Means”
• 7.30.07: 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, Sixth Paragraph, Not Invoked Despite Presence of “Means” or “Step”
• 7.34.23: Rejections Under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, Second Paragraph: Claim Limitation is Interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, Sixth paragraph, but Disclosure of the Structure, Material, or Acts for Performing the Function Recited in a Claim Is Lacking, Insufficient, or Not Clearly Linked
• 7.34.24: Rejections under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, Second Paragraph: Unclear Whether Claim Limitation Is To Be Interpreted Under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, Sixth Paragraph

The MPEP states:

“Form paragraphs 7.30.03.h, 7.30.03, and 7.30.05 – 7.30.07 should be used, as appropriate, when a claim limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.”

These form paragraphs help examiners consistently communicate issues related to 35 U.S.C. 112(f) interpretation, invocation, and associated rejections. Understanding these paragraphs can help patent applicants better interpret and respond to office actions.

To learn more:

• form paragraphs
• 35 U.S.C. 112(f)
• patent examination
• office action