What are the two types of species according to MPEP 806.04(b)?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. According to MPEP 806.04(b) , there are two types of species: Independent species: Species that are not connected in design, operation, or effect. Related species: Species that are connected in design, operation, or effect. The MPEP states: “Species may be either independent or related as disclosed (see MPEP § 806.04 and § 806.04(b)) under the particular disclosure of the application.” This distinction is crucial for understanding how to handle different types of species claims in patent applications. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Species Must Be Independent or Related Under Disclosure MPEP 806.04(b) Permitted Reasonable Number of Species May Be Claimed When Generic Claim Is Allowed MPEP 806 Permitted Species Must Be Independent or Related Inventions MPEP 806.04(b) Permitted Restriction for Related Species Under Claimed Genus MPEP 806.04(b) Required Species Under Claimed Genus Are Independent Inventions MPEP 806.04(b) Improper Restriction Not Required MPEP 806.04(b) Required Requirement for Non-Distinct Inventions Not to Be Restricted MPEP 806 Prohibited Requirement for Distinct Inventions MPEP 806 Invention Distinctness Requirement MPEP 806 Permitted Restriction to One Independent Invention Is Proper MPEP 806 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How are independent species determined in patent applications? How are intermediate and final product species handled in patent applications? How does MPEP 806.04(b) define mutually exclusive characteristics for species? What is the restriction practice for related species in patent applications? What is the relationship between species and inventions in MPEP 806.04(b)?