What is the purpose of the ‘Final’ column in the Index of Claims?

The ‘Final’ column in the Index of Claims serves a specific purpose at the end of the patent examination process. According to the MPEP 719.04, At the time of allowance, the examiner places the final patent claim numbers in the column marked ‘Final.’ This column is used to record the final numbering of the allowed claims, which may differ from their numbering during prosecution due to amendments, cancellations, or additions of claims.

To learn more:

• Index of Claims
• Final column
• allowed claims
• patent examination