What evidence can show that a claim does not correspond with the inventor’s invention?
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.
Evidence demonstrating that a claim does not correspond in scope with what an inventor regards as their invention can come from various sources. According to MPEP 2172, such evidence may be found in:
- Contentions or admissions in briefs or remarks filed by the applicant
- Affidavits filed under 37 CFR 1.132
The MPEP cites specific cases as examples: Solomon v. Kimberly-Clark Corp., In re Prater, and In re Cormany. It’s important to note that “The content of the specification is not used as evidence that the scope of the claims is inconsistent with the subject matter which an inventor regards as his or her invention.”
Topics:
MPEP 2100 - Patentability
MPEP 2172 - Subject Matter Which The Inventor Or A Joint Inventor Regards As The Invention
Patent Law
Patent Procedure