What are the typical circumstances where an adequate written description issue arises?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30

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 2163.03, there are six typical circumstances where an adequate written description issue can arise:

  1. Amendment affecting a claim
  2. Reliance on filing date of parent application under 35 U.S.C. 120
  3. Reliance on priority under 35 U.S.C. 119
  4. Support for a claim corresponding to a count in an interference
  5. Original claim not sufficiently described
  6. Indefiniteness rejection of a means- (or step-) plus-function limitation

These circumstances typically involve determining whether the subject matter of a claim is supported in an application as filed.

Topics: MPEP 2100 - Patentability MPEP 2163.03 - Typical Circumstances Where Adequate Written Description Issue Arises Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Aia Practice, claim form, Composition Claims, method claims, Sequence Format