What is the relationship between 35 U.S.C. 112(a) and (b)?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 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. The requirements of 35 U.S.C. 112(a) and (b) are separate and distinct. As stated in the MPEP 2174 : “The requirements of 35 U.S.C. 112(a) and (b) or the first and second paragraphs of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112 are separate and distinct.” This means that a patent application must satisfy both requirements independently. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Specification and Claims Must Meet Separate Standards MPEP 2174 Claim Support Requirement MPEP 2174 Recommended Claims Must Include Cooling Zone Location MPEP 2174 Claims Must Be Supported by Description MPEP 2174 Permitted Claims Must Describe Entire Invention MPEP 2174 Claims Must Be Supported by Specification MPEP 2174 Permitted Claims Must Be Supported by Specification MPEP 2174 Claims Must Specify Cooling Step or Location MPEP 2174 Application Must Comply with Electronic Filing System MPEP 1121 Request for Nonpublication and Certification Under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(i) MPEP 1135 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can amending a claim lead to a rejection under 35 U.S.C. 112(a)? Can a claim be rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) if the description is not commensurate with the claim scope? What happens if a critical feature is not included in the claims? How does 35 U.S.C. 112(f) interact with other requirements of 35 U.S.C. 112? How does the patent disclosure requirement balance public and inventor interests?