What should inventors do if they have different pending applications with similar subject matter?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29 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. If an inventor has different applications pending which disclose similar subject matter but claim patentably indistinct inventions, they must disclose the existence of these other applications to the examiner of each involved application. MPEP 2001.06(b) states: “For example, if a particular inventor has different applications pending which disclose similar subject matter but claim patentably indistinct inventions, the existence of other applications must be disclosed to the examiner of each of the involved applications.” This requirement ensures that the examiner has a complete picture of related inventions and can properly assess patentability across all related applications. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Copending Applications Must Be Disclosed to Examiner MPEP 2001.06(b) Prohibited Copending Applications Must Be Disclosed to Examiner MPEP 2001.06(b) Copending US Patent Applications Must Be Disclosed MPEP 2001.06(b) Individuals Must Disclose Material Information MPEP 2000 Guidance on Compliance with Duty of Disclosure Regardless of Materiality Standard MPEP 2000 Information from Copending Applications Required MPEP 2001.06(b) Duty of Disclosure Materiality Revised Based on Therasense MPEP 2000 Duty of Disclosure to Adopt But-For Materiality Standard MPEP 2000 Requirement for Post-Sept. 16, 2012 Patent Applications MPEP 2001 Disclosure Requirement for Patentability Information MPEP 2001 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How should information from copending applications be cited to the examiner? What are the consequences of failing to disclose material information about copending applications? What are the consequences of failing to disclose...