What happens if there are inconsistencies between the Application Data Sheet (ADS) and other documents?

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.

When there are inconsistencies between the Application Data Sheet (ADS) and other documents, the ADS generally takes precedence. According to MPEP 601.05(a):

Information in the Application Data Sheet will govern when inconsistent with the information supplied at the same time by a designation of correspondence address or the inventor’s oath or declaration.

However, it’s important to note that this only applies when the inconsistent information is supplied at the same time. If the inconsistency arises later, a corrected ADS may be required to update the information.