What is the purpose of requiring a rewritten specification in patent applications?

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.

The primary purpose of requiring a rewritten specification is to ensure clarity and prevent confusion during the patent issue and printing processes. The MPEP 1302.02 states:

“Whenever interlineations or cancellations have been made in the specification or amendments which would lead to confusion and mistake, the examiner should require the entire portion of specification affected to be rewritten before passing the application to issue.”

This requirement helps maintain the integrity of the patent document, ensuring that all changes are clearly incorporated and the final version is free from potential misinterpretations or errors that could arise from extensive edits or amendments.