What is piecemeal examination in patent law?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 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. Piecemeal examination refers to the practice of examining a patent application in a fragmented or incomplete manner. According to MPEP 707.07(g) , “Piecemeal examination should be avoided as much as possible.” This means that patent examiners should strive to provide a comprehensive examination of each claim, addressing all valid grounds for rejection in a single office action, rather than addressing issues one at a time across multiple office actions. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Claims Must Be Rejected On All Valid Grounds MPEP 707.07(g) Recommended Office Actions for Ex Parte Reexamination MPEP 707 First Office Action Must Identify Allowed Claims MPEP 707 Office Actions for Inter Partes Reexamination MPEP 707 Examination of Application by Limited Issue MPEP 707.07(g) Recommended Best Prior Art Should Be Cited Without Applying to Claims MPEP 707.07(g) Recommended Comprehensive Examination Required for Patentability and Compliance MPEP 707 Required First Office Action Requires Informal Patent Application Notice MPEP 707 Response to Office Actions Requires Specific Information MPEP 707 Recommended Office Action Includes Disclosures and Allowable Subject Matter MPEP 707 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How should patent examiners approach claim rejections? What is piecemeal examination and how should it be avoided? What is the significance of avoiding &#8216;undue multiplication of references&#8217; in patent examination? Are there exceptions to comprehensive patent examination? How should examiners handle perpetual motion applications?