What is the “same or corresponding special technical features” requirement in unity of invention?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 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 “same or corresponding special technical features” requirement in unity of invention refers to the technical relationship among the inventions involving one or more of the same or corresponding special technical features. According to MPEP 1893.03(d) : “The expression “special technical features” shall mean those technical features that define a contribution which each of the claimed inventions, considered as a whole, makes over the prior art.” This means that the inventions must be technically related and have a common novel and non-obvious feature to be considered unified. If this requirement is not met, the application may face a lack of unity objection. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Definition of Special Technical Features for Inventions MPEP 1893.03(d) Common Technical Feature Requirement for Linked Inventions MPEP 1893.03(d) Corresponding Technical Feature Requirement for Inventions MPEP 1893.03(d) Inventions Linked by Common Technical Feature MPEP 1893.03(d) Permitted Unity of Invention Analysis Applies to National Stage Applications MPEP 1893.03(d) Prior Art Known Before National Stage Begins MPEP 1893 Review for Lack of Unity Requirement During National Stage MPEP 1893.03(d) Requirement for Heading in National Stage Lack of Unity Actions MPEP 1893.03(d) Application Must Contain Only Linked Inventions MPEP 1893.03(d) Recommended Use Form Paragraph 18.05 for Lack of Unity During International Phase MPEP 1893.03(d) Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What are the consequences of a lack of unity of invention in a PCT application? How does an examiner determine lack of unity in a national stage application? What happens if a lack of unit...