What is unity of invention in patent applications?

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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. Unity of invention is a principle applied in international and national stage patent applications submitted under 35 U.S.C. 371 . It determines whether multiple inventions can be included in a single application. According to MPEP 1893.03(d) , “The basic principle is that an application should relate to only one invention or, if there is more than one invention, that applicant would have a right to include in a single application only those inventions which are so linked as to form a single general inventive concept.” Unity of invention is present when there is a technical relationship among the inventions involving at least one common or corresponding special technical feature. 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) Requirement for Restricting National Stage Application MPEP 1893.03(d) Unity of Invention Analysis Applies to National Stage Applications MPEP 1893.03(d) Review for Lack of Unity Requirement During National Stage MPEP 1893.03(d) Claims Must Be Related to One Invention MPEP 1893.03(d) Permitted Double Patenting Rules Apply to National Stage MPEP 1893.03(d) Corresponding Technical Feature Requirement for Inventions MPEP 1893.03(d) Requirement for Restriction in National Stage Applications MPEP 1893.03(d) Recommended Requirement for Heading in National Stage Lack of Unity Actions 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 i...