What claims are considered in a supplemental examination determination?
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.
In a supplemental examination, the Office considers the claims of the patent that are in effect at the time of the determination. Specifically, “The claims of the patent in effect at the time of the determination will be the basis for deciding whether ‘a substantial new question of patentability’ (SNQ) is present.” (MPEP 2816.01)
However, it’s important to note that “the determination will be limited to a review of the claim(s) for which supplemental examination is requested.” The Office generally does not initiate supplemental examination for claims not specified by the patent owner.