| |
|
|
How to Write a Patent Application Table of Contents |
|
|
|
|
Table of Exhibits |
|
|
|
Chapter 1: |
Introduction, When to File and Where to Prepare the Application |
|
|
- § 1:1 : Need for This Book1-1
- § 1:2 : How to Use This Book1-4
- § 1:3 : Organization of This Book1-5
- § 1:4 : Terminology Used in This Book1-5
- § 1:5 : How Quickly Should the Application Be Filed?1-6
- § 1:5.1 : Reasons for Filing Promptly1-6
- § 1:5.2 : Reasons for Not Filing Promptly1-7
- § 1:5.3 : Techniques for Speeding Up the Filing Process1-7
- § 1:6 : Where to Prepare the Application1-9
- § 1:7 : Conclusion1-10
|
|
Chapter 2: |
Parts of a Patent Application (Including Obtaining Expedited Examination); And Exhibits |
|
|
- § 2:1 : Introduction2-2
- § 2:2 : Parts of a Patent Application2-3
- § 2:2.1 : What Is Needed to Obtain a Filing Date2-3
- § 2:2.2 : Papers Filed in a “Typical” Application2-4
- § 2:3 : Formal Papers2-5
- § 2:3.1 : Oath or Declaration2-5
- § 2:3.2 : Power of Attorney2-7
- § 2:3.3 : Assignment2-8
- § 2:3.4 : Small Entity and Micro Entity Claims2-11
- § 2:3.5 : Application Data Sheet2-14
- § 2:4 : Drawings2-15
- § 2:5 : Specification2-16
- § 2:5.1 : Title of the Invention2-18
- § 2:5.2 : Cross-References to Related Applications2-18
- § 2:5.3 : Statement As to Invention Rights Under Federally Sponsored Research2-19
- § 2:5.4 : Miscellaneous Statements2-19
- § 2:5.5 : Compact Disc References2-19
- § 2:5.6 : Background2-20
- § 2:5.7 : Summary2-20
- § 2:5.8 : Description of the Drawings2-20
- § 2:5.9 : Description2-21
- § 2:5.10 : Claims2-22
- § 2:5.11 : Abstract2-22
- § 2:6 : Preliminary Amendments2-23
- § 2:7 : Information Disclosure Statement2-23
- § 2:8 : Claiming Foreign Priority2-24
- § 2:9 : Petition to Make Special2-26
- § 2:9.1 : Introduction2-26
- § 2:9.2 : Grounds for Requesting a Petition to Make Special2-27
- § 2:9.3 : Procedure2-30
- § 2:9.4 : Potential Advantages of a Petition to Make Special2-32
- § 2:9.5 : Potential Disadvantages of a Petition to Make Special2-33
- § 2:10 : Missing Parts Pilot Program2-33
- § 2:11 : First Action Interview Program2-34
- § 2:12 : Filing the Application2-35
- § 2:12.1 : Cover Sheet and Filing Fees2-35
- § 2:12.2 : Postcard and Mailing2-36
- § 2:12.3 : Checklist2-38
- § 2:13 : S-Signatures2-38
- Exhibit 2-1 : Declaration for Utility or Design Patent Application (37 C.F.R. § 1.63)2EX-1
- Exhibit 2-2 : Power of Attorney or Revocation of Power of Attorney with a New Power of Attorney and Change of Correspondence Address2EX-5
- Exhibit 2-3A : Assignment2EX-7
- Exhibit 2-3B : Combination Inventor’s Declaration and Assignment2EX-9
- Exhibit 2-4 : Assignment of Application2EX-13
- Exhibit 2-5 : Recordation Form Cover Sheet2EX-15
- Exhibit 2-6A : Definition of Small Entity Status2EX-17
- Exhibit 2-6B : Micro Entity Status2EX-19
- Exhibit 2-7 : Verified Statement Claiming Small Entity Status—Independent Inventor2EX-21
- Exhibit 2-8 : Verified Statement Claiming Small Entity Status—Small Business Concern2EX-23
- Exhibit 2-9 : Verified Statement Claiming Small Entity Status—Nonprofit Organization2EX-25
- Exhibit 2-10 : Sample Patent2EX-27
- Exhibit 2-11 : Information Disclosure Statement by Applicant2EX-33
- Exhibit 2-12 : Utility Patent Application Transmittal2EX-37
- Exhibit 2-13 : Patent Application Fee Determination Record2EX-39
- Exhibit 2-14 : Postcard2EX-41
- Exhibit 2-15 : Express Mail Certificate2EX-43
- Exhibit 2-16 : Application Data Sheet2EX-45
- Exhibit 2-17 : Checklist for Filling Patent Applications2EX-49
|
|
Chapter 3: |
Electronic Filing in the Patent Office; And Exhibit |
|
|
- § 3:1 : Introduction3-1
- § 3:2 : Overview of Electronic Filing3-3
- § 3:3 : Who Can Electronically File3-3
- § 3:4 : What Can Be Electronically Filed3-3
- § 3:5 : Hardware and Software Required3-3
- § 3:6 : Obtaining a Digital Certificate3-5
- § 3:7 : Preparing the Application for Electronic Filing3-6
- § 3:8 : Preparing the Drawings for Electronic Filing3-8
- § 3:9 : Preparing Additional Parts3-9
- § 3:10 : Filing the Application3-9
- § 3:11 : Using USPTO Fillable Forms3-11
- § 3:12 : Preparing Electronic Information Disclosure Statements3-11
- § 3:13 : Electronic Filing of Assignments3-12
- § 3:14 : EFS Signatures3-12
- § 3:15 : Useful Contact Information and Help Sources3-13
- § 3:16 : Conclusion3-13
- Exhibit 3-1 : Electronic Acknowledgement Receipt3EX-1
|
|
Chapter 4: |
Working with the Inventor; And Exhibits |
|
|
- § 4:1 : Introduction4-1
- § 4:2 : Investigating Whether an Application Should Be Filed4-2
- § 4:3 : Identifying the Inventor or Inventors4-2
- § 4:4 : Preparing for the Initial Interview4-11
- § 4:5 : Initial Interview4-11
- § 4:5.1 : Let the Inventor Tell the Story4-11
- § 4:5.2 : Obtain an Enabling Disclosure4-11
- § 4:5.3 : Do Not Become an Inventor4-13
- § 4:5.4 : Avoiding Inequitable Conduct4-13
- § 4:6 : Sending the Draft Application to the Inventor4-14
- § 4:7 : Getting the Application Executed4-14
- Exhibit 4-1 : Checklist for Patent Protection Evaluation4EX-1
- Exhibit 4-2 : Checklist for Patent Protection Evaluation (Annotated)4EX-3
- Exhibit 4-3 : Inventor Prior Art Information Disclosure4EX-5
- Exhibit 4-4 : Client Checklist for Patent Protection Evaluation (Annotated)4EX-7
|
|
Chapter 5: |
The Patentability Search; And Exhibits |
|
|
- § 5:1 : Introduction5-1
- § 5:2 : What Is a Patentability Search?5-2
- § 5:3 : Why Order a Patentability Search?5-3
- § 5:3.1 : Economics5-3
- § 5:3.2 : A Better Application Can Be Prepared5-3
- § 5:3.3 : Commercial Reasons for Conducting a Patentability Search5-4
- § 5:3.4 : Avoid Festo5-4
- § 5:3.5 : Foreign Filing Decisions5-5
- § 5:4 : Why Not to Order a Patentability Search5-5
- § 5:5 : Procedure for Ordering a Patentability Search5-6
- § 5:5.1 : Selecting the Searcher5-7
- § 5:5.2 : Information to Include in the Search Request5-7
- § 5:5.3 : Scope of the Search5-7
- § 5:5.4 : Cost of the Search5-8
- § 5:5.5 : Example of a Search Request Letter5-8
- § 5:6 : Limitations of a Patentability Search5-9
- § 5:7 : Reporting the Results of the Patentability Search5-9
- Exhibit 5-1 : Letter Ordering Patentability Search5EX-1
- Exhibit 5-2 : Notice to Clients Regarding Patentability Searches5EX-3
- Exhibit 5-3 : Letter Reporting Patentability Study Results (Favorable)5EX-5
- Exhibit 5-4 : Letter Reporting Patentability Study Results (Negative)5EX-9
- Exhibit 5-5 : Letter Reporting Patentability Study Results (Neutral)5EX-13
|
|
Chapter 6: |
Drawings; And Exhibits |
|
|
- § 6:1 : Introduction6-2
- § 6:1.1 : When Drawings Are Required6-3
- § 6:1.2 : When to Order Drawings6-5
- § 6:1.3 : Informal Versus Formal Drawings6-6
- § 6:2 : Contents of the Drawings6-6
- § 6:2.1 : What Should Be Included in the Drawings6-6
- § 6:2.2 : What Can Be Excluded from the Drawings6-7
- § 6:2.3 : Example of Drawings Showing Claimed Features6-8
- § 6:3 : Drawing the Invention6-9
- § 6:3.1 : Perspective Views6-11
- § 6:3.2 : Front, Side, and Top Views6-11
- § 6:3.3 : Sectional Views6-12
- § 6:3.4 : Exploded Views6-13
- § 6:3.5 : Graphs and Charts6-14
- § 6:3.6 : Flowcharts and Schematics6-14
- § 6:3.7 : Complex Chemical Structures6-14
- § 6:3.8 : Illustrating the Use of the Invention6-15
- § 6:4 : Formal Requirements6-15
- § 6:4.1 : Paper Type, Size, and Margins6-16
- § 6:4.2 : Drawing Ink and Erasure6-16
- § 6:4.3 : Scale6-17
- § 6:4.4 : Arrangement of Views6-17
- § 6:4.5 : Lines, Letters, and Reference Numerals6-18
- § 6:4.6 : Identification of Drawings6-19
- § 6:5 : Illustrative Styles and Symbols6-19
- § 6:5.1 : Types and Forms of Lines6-19
- [A] : Object Line6-20
- [B] : Cutting Plane Line6-20
- [C] : Projection Line6-20
- [D] : Hidden Line6-20
- [E] : Lead Line6-21
- [F] : Center Line6-21
- § 6:5.2 : Shading6-21
- § 6:5.3 : Hatching Patterns6-22
- § 6:5.4 : Mechanical Components6-22
- § 6:5.5 : Illustrative Symbols and Labeled Representations6-23
- § 6:6 : Special Forms of Illustration6-24
- § 6:6.1 : Black-and-White Photographs6-24
- § 6:6.2 : Colored Drawings and Photographs6-25
- § 6:6.3 : Computer Programming Lists6-25
- § 6:7 : Mailing6-25
- Exhibit 6-1 : Front Views of a Grill Cleaner6EX-1
- Exhibit 6-2 : Device for Lifting and Inverting Cylindrical Containers6EX-3
- Exhibit 6-3 : Partially Broken Away Front Perspective View6EX-5
- Exhibit 6-4 : Three Partial Sectional Views6EX-7
- Exhibit 6-5 : Exploded Views6EX-9
- Exhibit 6-6 : Plot of Unreacted Carbon6EX-11
- Exhibit 6-7 : Flowchart (Catalytic Production of Hydrogen from Low Heating Value Gases)6EX-13
- Exhibit 6-8 : Flowchart (Decompiler for Industrial Controllers)6EX-15
- Exhibit 6-9 : Schematic: Procedure for the Metered Addition of Copper Ions in Cheese Production6EX-17
- Exhibit 6-10 : Schematic: Engine Spark Control Apparatus6EX-19
- Exhibit 6-11 : Complex Chemical Structures6EX-21
- Exhibit 6-12 : Use of an Invention6EX-23
- Exhibit 6-13 : Types of Lines6EX-25
- Exhibit 6-14 : Use of Lines6EX-27
- Exhibit 6-15 : Circular Shading Lines6EX-29
- Exhibit 6-16 : Oblique Shading Lines6EX-31
- Exhibit 6-17 : Shading Lines for Inclined Surfaces Versus Flat Surfaces6EX-33
- Exhibit 6-18 : Sanctioned Hatching Patterns6EX-35
- Exhibit 6-19 : Threads—Conventional Methods6EX-37
- Exhibit 6-20 : Gears6EX-39
- Exhibit 6-21 : Worm Gear in Mesh6EX-41
- Exhibit 6-22 : Symbols for Conventional Electrical and Mechanical Elements6EX-43
- Exhibit 6-23 : Transmission Electron Micrograph of Fibrous Carbon Chain6EX-47
|
|
Chapter 7: |
Preparing the Claims; And Exhibits |
|
|
- § 7:1 : Introduction7-4
- § 7:1.1 : Purpose of the Claims7-4
- § 7:1.2 : Basic Principles of Claim Drafting7-4
- § 7:1.3 : Start with the Claims7-5
- § 7:2 : Statutory Requirements for the Claims7-6
- § 7:2.1 : 35 U.S.C. § 1127-6
- § 7:2.2 : 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and 1037-11
- § 7:2.3 : 35 U.S.C. § 1017-15
- [A] : Exclusions from Patentable Subject Matter7-18
- § 7:3 : Claim Form and Language7-18
- § 7:3.1 : Claims Are Placed After the Specification7-19
- § 7:3.2 : Single Sentence7-19
- § 7:3.3 : Preamble7-20
- [A] : Purpose and Form of Preamble7-20
- [B] : Does the Preamble Limit the Claim Scope?7-22
- § 7:3.4 : Transitions: From Preamble to the Body and from Elements to Subelements7-26
- [A] : “Comprising” and Equivalents7-27
- [B] : “Consisting of”7-28
- [C] : “Consisting Essentially of”7-28
- [D] : “Composed of” and “Having”7-29
- [E] : Nonuse of “Step of” in the Transition7-30
- [F] : Examples of Use of Transitions7-30
- § 7:3.5 : Body of Claim7-31
- [A] : Defining the Elements7-32
- [A][1] : Introducing the Elements7-32
- [A][2] : Single Clause7-33
- [A][3] : Structural Definitions7-34
- [A][4] : Functional Definitions7-35
- [A][4][a] : “Means for” and “Step for” Clauses7-36
- [A][4][b] : Functional Language7-42
- [A][4][c] : “Whereby” Clauses7-42
- [B] : Order of the Elements7-43
- [C] : Cooperation7-45
- [C][1] : Structural Cooperation7-47
- [C][2] : Functional Cooperation7-48
- [C][3] : Order of Steps7-49
- [D] : Claim Format7-50
- [E] : Reference Numbers7-51
- [F] : Method Steps7-51
- [G] : Use of “First” and “Second”7-51
- § 7:3.6 : Arranging and Numbering the Claims7-52
- § 7:4 : Types of Claims7-53
- § 7:4.1 : Dependent Claims7-54
- [A] : Form of Dependent Claims7-54
- [B] : Content of Dependent Claims7-55
- [C] : Use of Dependent Claims7-55
- § 7:4.2 : Multiple Dependent Claims7-57
- § 7:4.3 : Jepson Claims7-58
- § 7:4.4 : Markush Groups7-60
- [A] : Form of Markush Claims7-60
- [B] : Relationship Between the Alternatives7-61
- [C] : Uses of Markush Claims7-62
- [D] : Recommendations re Markush Claims7-63
- § 7:4.5 : Product-by-Process Claims7-65
- § 7:4.6 : New-Use Claims7-66
- § 7:5 : Strategy of Claim Drafting7-67
- § 7:5.1 : Obtaining Broad Coverage7-68
- § 7:5.2 : Drafting the Picture Claim7-69
- § 7:5.3 : Writing the Broadest Claim or Claims7-70
- [A] : Defining the Novel and Nonobvious Element or Elements7-71
- [B] : Avoid Unnecessary Limitations and Elements7-71
- [B][1] : In the Preamble7-71
- [B][2] : In the Transition7-72
- [B][3] : In the Body7-72
- [C] : Defining Elements by Their Function7-73
- [C][1] : Using Means Clauses7-73
- [C][2] : Using Functional Language7-77
- [D] : Comparing the Broadest Claim Against the Prior Art7-79
- [E] : Verifying Claim Structure with a Diagram7-79
- § 7:5.4 : Include Different Statutory Classes of Claims7-79
- § 7:5.5 : Converting Process Claims to Apparatus Claims7-81
- § 7:5.6 : Adding Limitations to a Claim Without Narrowing the Claim7-82
- § 7:5.7 : Claim the Environment of the Invention7-83
- § 7:5.8 : Using Dependent Claims7-83
- [A] : Strategic Use of Dependent Claims7-83
- [B] : Strategic Use of Multiple Dependent Claims7-86
- § 7:5.9 : Using Kit Claims7-88
- § 7:5.10 : Claim What Is Sold7-88
- § 7:5.11 : Controlling the Number of Claims7-89
- § 7:5.12 : Use of “About” and Other Terms of Approximation7-90
- § 7:5.13 : Use of Numerical Limitations7-92
- [A] : Avoid Precise Numbers7-92
- [B] : Use Functional Language in Lieu of Numerical Limits7-92
- [C] : Numerical Limitations Can Require Criticality7-92
- § 7:5.14 : Avoid the Doctrines of Patent Exhaustion and Implied License7-93
- § 7:5.15 : Carefully Use “a,” “an,” and “One”7-93
- § 7:5.16 : Avoid 35 U.S.C. § 287(c)7-95
- § 7:5.17 : Beware of “Including”7-95
- § 7:5.18 : Claim All Disclosed Embodiments7-95
- § 7:5.19 : Include Ambiguous Claims7-96
- § 7:5.20 : Claim to Avoid Festo7-97
- § 7:5.21 : Do Not Include Theory in the Claims7-99
- § 7:5.22 : Carefully Use Alternative Language7-99
- § 7:5.23 : Use a Dictionary When Drafting Claims7-99
- § 7:5.24 : Avoid Divided and Distributed Claims7-100
- § 7:5.25 : Drafting Claims with Consideration of a Restriction Requirement7-102
- § 7:6 : Claim Deficiencies—What Not to Do7-103
- § 7:6.1 : Use of Inconsistent Terminology7-103
- § 7:6.2 : Wrong Verb Form7-104
- § 7:6.3 : Lack of Antecedent Basis, Support, or Both7-104
- [A] : Antecedent Basis in the Claim7-104
- [B] : Antecedent Basis in the Specification7-105
- [C] : Antecedent Basis in the Drawings7-106
- § 7:6.4 : Indefiniteness7-106
- [A] : Words of Degree and Relational Terms7-108
- [B] : Indefinite References to Antecedent Elements7-111
- [C] : Alternative Expressions7-111
- § 7:6.5 : Deficient Functional Language7-112
- [A] : Meaningless Means Clauses7-113
- [B] : Overly Broad7-114
- [C] : Nonexistent Novelty and Nonobviousness7-115
- § 7:6.6 : Surplusage7-115
- § 7:6.7 : Tainted Trademarks7-116
- § 7:6.8 : Incomplete Claims7-117
- § 7:6.9 : Negative Limitations7-118
- § 7:6.10 : Nonexistent Operability7-119
- § 7:6.11 : Overbroad Ranges7-119
- § 7:6.12 : Avoid Having Claims with Priority Before and After March 16, 20137-120
- § 7:7 : Improving Claim Quality7-120
- Exhibit 7-1 : Broad Claim for Shaking Apparatus of Exhibits 7-11 and 7-137EX-1
- Exhibit 7-2 : Broad Claim for Strand-Collecting Apparatus7EX-3
- Exhibit 7-3 : Proper and Improper Cooperation Among Elements of a Claim7EX-5
- Exhibit 7-4 : Dependent Claim Sequences7EX-7
- Exhibit 7-5 : Improper Multiple Dependent Claim Sequence7EX-9
- Exhibit 7-6 : Jepson Apparatus Claim7EX-11
- Exhibit 7-7 : Jepson Method Claim7EX-13
- Exhibit 7-8 : Jepson Composition-of-Matter Claim7EX-15
- Exhibit 7-9 : Markush Claim7EX-17
- Exhibit 7-10 : Product-by-Process Claim7EX-19
- Exhibit 7-11 : Drawings of Shaking Apparatus7EX-21
- Exhibit 7-12 : Picture Claim of Shaking Apparatus of Exhibits 7-11 and 7-137EX-23
- Exhibit 7-13 : Schematic of Broad Claim of Exhibit 7-17EX-25
- Exhibit 7-14 : Checklist of Possible Claim Deficiencies7EX-27
- Exhibit 7-15 : Example of Poor Claim Drafting: Suction Cleaner7EX-29
- Exhibit 7-16 : Example of Poor Claim Drafting: Steam and Dry Iron7EX-35
|
|
Chapter 8: |
Writing the Specification; And Exhibits |
|
|
- § 8:1 : Introduction: The Requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112 and the Utility Requirement8-4
- § 8:1.1 : 35 U.S.C. § 1128-4
- § 8:1.2 : Utility8-5
- § 8:2 : Satisfying the Description Requirement of § 1128-9
- § 8:3 : Satisfying the Enablement Requirement of § 1128-16
- § 8:3.1 : What Is the Enablement Requirement?8-16
- § 8:3.2 : Guidelines for Satisfying the Enablement Requirement8-17
- [A] : The Enablement Requirement Applies Only to Claimed Subject Matter8-17
- [B] : The Specification Need Be Enabling Only to Someone Skilled in the Relevant Art8-18
- [C] : The “Skill of the Art” Is Determined As of the Date of Filing8-20
- [D] : The Specification Need Not Explain How or Why the Invention Works8-20
- [E] : Undue Experimentation Must Not Be Required to Reproduce the Invention8-21
- [F] : The Claimed Matter Must Not Be Unduly Broad in Relation to the Disclosure8-23
- [G] : The Specification Must Teach How to Make and Use Each Member of a Markush Group8-25
- [H] : Working and Prophetic Examples Can Be Used to Satisfy the Enablement Requirement8-25
- [I] : The Enablement Requirement Does Not Extend to Technology That Arises After the Time of Filing8-26
- [J] : How-To-Use Aspect of Enablement Requirement Requires Satisfaction of Utility Requirement8-26
- [K] : The Most Optimized Configuration of the Invention Does Not Need to Be Enabled8-27
- [L] : Testing in Animals Can Enable Use in Humans8-27
- § 8:4 : Satisfying the “Best Mode” Requirement of § 1128-27
- § 8:4.1 : What Is the “Best Mode” Requirement?8-27
- § 8:4.2 : Guidelines for Satisfying the “Best Mode” Requirement8-28
- [A] : The “Best Mode” Requirement Applies Only to Claimed Subject Matter and Unclaimed Elements Necessary for Operation of the Invention8-29
- [B] : Only the Best Mode As of the Filing Date Need Be Disclosed8-31
- [C] : The Best Mode Is Not Necessarily the Eventual Commercial Method8-31
- [D] : The Specification Need Only Disclose What the Inventor Subjectively Believes to Be the Best Mode8-32
- [E] : Violation of the “Best Mode” Standard Can Be Accidental8-32
- [F] : The Best Mode Must Be Disclosed Even If the Applicant Did Not Invent It8-32
- [G] : The Description of the Best Mode Has to Be Objectively Enabling8-33
- [H] : The Use of Trademarks to Satisfy the Best Mode Requirement8-35
- [I] : The Disclosure of the Best Mode Cannot Rely on Prior Art That Is Nonconventional or Not Widely Known8-35
- [J] : The Best Mode Need Not Be Identified As Such, But It Should Not Be Hidden8-36
- [K] : The Public Cannot Be Misled As to the Best Mode8-37
- [L] : A Working Example Is an Effective Way to Disclose the Best Mode8-38
- [M] : Trade Secrets and the Best Mode Are Incompatible8-38
- [N] : The Best Mode Requirement Does Not Include Unclaimed Uses of the Invention8-39
- § 8:5 : Writing the Specification8-40
- § 8:5.1 : Introduction8-40
- § 8:5.2 : Parts of the Application8-42
- § 8:5.3 : Title8-43
- § 8:5.4 : Identification of Inventors8-44
- § 8:5.5 : Cross-References and Priority Claims8-45
- [A] : Types of Applications8-47
- § 8:5.6 : Government Rights8-49
- § 8:5.7 : Reference to CDs8-49
- § 8:5.8 : Background8-49
- [A] : Heading8-49
- [B] : What the Background Section Should Not Include8-49
- [C] : What the Background Section Should Include8-51
- § 8:5.9 : Summary Section8-54
- [A] : Heading8-54
- [B] : Opening8-54
- [C] : Contents8-54
- [D] : Closing8-56
- § 8:5.10 : Drawings8-57
- [A] : Transitional Clause8-57
- [B] : Refer to “Version” of the Invention8-57
- [C] : Use of Suffixes for Similar Drawings8-58
- [D] : Cross-Reference the Drawings8-58
- [E] : Refer to Different “Versions” of the Invention8-58
- § 8:5.11 : Description8-58
- [A] : Caption8-58
- [B] : Purpose of the Description8-59
- [C] : Outline of a Typical Description8-59
- [C][1] : The Opening8-59
- [C][2] : Definitions8-61
- [C][3] : Overview8-61
- [C][4] : Detailed Description of the Elements (Including Means-Plus-Function Elements)8-63
- [C][5] : How the Invention Is Used8-67
- [C][6] : Advantages of the Invention8-67
- [C][7] : Specific Embodiments and Examples8-68
- [C][8] : Alternatives and the Closing8-70
- [D] : Use of Prior Art Patents8-72
- [E] : Ranges and Preferences8-72
- [F] : Use of Trademarks8-74
- [G] : Incorporation by Reference8-76
- [H] : Reference Numbers8-79
- [H][1] : The Description is Written As if No Reference Numbers are Used8-79
- [H][2] : The Reference Numbers Should Be Kept Sequential8-79
- [H][3] : Numbers Higher Than Drawing Numbers Should Be Used8-79
- [H][4] : Chart the Reference Numbers8-80
- [H][5] : Skip the Reference Numbers8-80
- [H][6] : Use the Reference Numbers Consistently8-80
- [H][7] : Use Suffixes to Distinguish Similar Elements8-80
- [H][8] : Use Series of Numbers for Clarity8-81
- [I] : Antecedent8-81
- [J] : Use of Spatial Directions8-81
- [K] : Avoid Absolutes8-81
- [L] : Use Present Tense8-82
- [M] : Avoid “etc.” and Carefully Use “i.e.”8-82
- [N] : Copyright or Mask Work Notice8-82
- [O] : Line Numbers and Docket Numbers8-83
- [P] : Tabular Data8-84
- [Q] : Use of “Optional,” “Preferable,” and Other Equivocal Terms8-84
- [R] : Use of “Present Invention”8-84
- [S] : Support for Negative Limitations8-84
- [T] : Improving Patent Quality8-85
- § 8:5.12 : Abstract8-85
- § 8:6 : Strategic Writing of the Specification for Broad Claim Interpretation8-87
- Exhibit 8-1 : Terminology8EX-1
- Exhibit 8-2 : Chart of Numbered Elements (Partial)8EX-11
- Exhibit 8-3 : Tree Diagram of Numbered Elements8EX-13
|
|
Chapter 9: |
Information Disclosure Statement; And Exhibit |
|
|
- § 9:1 : Introduction9-1
- § 9:2 : What Information Must Be Disclosed9-3
- § 9:2.1 : The Current Materiality Standard9-3
- § 9:2.2 : The Pre-1992 Standard9-3
- § 9:2.3 : The Current Patent Office Standard9-4
- § 9:2.4 : Recommendations9-5
- [A] : Checklist of Material Information9-7
- § 9:3 : When Should the Information Disclosure Statement Be Filed?9-10
- § 9:4 : Content of Information Disclosure Statement9-12
- § 9:5 : Submission of Listed Documents9-14
- § 9:6 : Electronic Filing of an Information Disclosure Statement9-15
- § 9:7 : Example9-15
- Exhibit 9-1 : Sample Information Disclosure Statement9EX-1
|
|
Chapter 10: |
Design Patent Applications; And Exhibits |
|
|
- § 10:1 : Patentable Subject Matter10-2
- § 10:1.1 : Patentable Designs10-2
- § 10:1.2 : The Ornamentality Requirement10-3
- § 10:1.3 : “Concealed During Normal Use” Limitation10-5
- § 10:1.4 : Anticipation Test for Design Patents10-6
- § 10:1.5 : Obviousness Test for Design Patents10-6
- § 10:1.6 : Infringement Test for Design Patents10-6
- § 10:1.7 : Relationship Between Design Patents, Copyright, and Trademark10-7
- [A] : Overlap of Design Patent and Copyright10-7
- [B] : Overlap of Design Patent and Trademark10-7
- § 10:2 : Parts of the Application10-7
- § 10:2.1 : Specification10-8
- [A] : Preamble and Title10-8
- [B] : Description10-10
- [C] : Claim10-12
- § 10:3 : Drawings10-12
- § 10:3.1 : Unitary Design Concept10-12
- § 10:3.2 : Requirements for Adequate Drawings10-13
- § 10:3.3 : Drawing the Invention10-15
- § 10:3.4 : Formal Requirements10-16
- § 10:3.5 : Illustrative Styles and Symbols10-17
- § 10:4 : Information Disclosure Statement10-18
- § 10:4.1 : Novelty10-18
- § 10:4.2 : Nonobviousness10-18
- § 10:4.3 : Scope of Prior Art10-19
- § 10:5 : Expedited Examination10-20
- Exhibit 10-1 : Design Patent Application Transmittal10EX-1
- Exhibit 10-2 : Assignment for Design Patent10EX-3
- Exhibit 10-3 : Photograph Display Design Patent10EX-5
- Exhibit 10-4 : Decorative Glass Panel Design Patent10EX-9
- Exhibit 10-5 : Dial Top-Housing for Telephone Handset or Similar Article Design Patent10EX-11
- Exhibit 10-6 : Handle for an Article of Flatware Design Patent10EX-15
- Exhibit 10-7 : Font of Type Design Patent10EX-17
- Exhibit 10-8 : Automobile Design Patent10EX-19
- Exhibit 10-9 : Scarf Design Patent10EX-23
- Exhibit 10-10 : Request for Expedited Examination of a Design Application (37 C.F.R. § 1.155)10EX-25
|
|
Chapter 11: |
Provisional Patent Applications; And Exhibits |
|
|
- § 11:1 : Introduction11-1
- § 11:1.1 : The Nature of Provisional Applications11-1
- § 11:1.2 : Conversion of Regular Applications11-4
- § 11:1.3 : Secrecy11-5
- § 11:1.4 : Inventorship11-5
- § 11:1.5 : Section 102(e) Date of Provisional Application11-6
- § 11:1.6 : Extended Missing Parts Program11-7
- § 11:2 : Requirements for a Provisional Application11-7
- § 11:3 : Advantages and Disadvantages of Filing a Provisional Application11-10
- § 11:4 : The Claim(s)11-14
- § 11:5 : Marking11-15
- § 11:6 : Author’s Recommendations11-16
- Exhibit 11-1 : Potential Disadvantages of Initially Filing a Provisional Patent Application11EX-1
- Exhibit 11-2 : Notice Regarding Conversion to Provisional Patent Application11EX-3
- Exhibit 11-3 : Provisional Application for Patent Cover Sheet11EX-5
|
|
Chapter 12: |
Plant Patent Applications; And Exhibits |
|
|
- § 12:1 : Introduction12-1
- § 12:2 : Patentable Subject Matter12-2
- § 12:2.1 : Types of Patentable Plants12-2
- § 12:2.2 : Asexual Reproduction12-3
- § 12:2.3 : Distinctiveness12-4
- § 12:3 : Novelty12-5
- § 12:4 : Inventorship12-5
- § 12:5 : Parts of the Application12-6
- § 12:5.1 : Oath or Declaration12-6
- § 12:5.2 : Title and Variety Name12-7
- § 12:5.3 : Specification12-7
- § 12:5.4 : Claim12-9
- § 12:5.5 : Drawings12-10
- § 12:5.6 : Specimens12-10
- Exhibit 12-1 : Plant Patent Application Transmittal12EX-1
- Exhibit 12-2 : Assignment for Plant Patent12EX-3
- Exhibit 12-3 : Plant Patent Application (35 U.S.C § 161) Declaration (37 C.F.R. § 1.63)12EX-5
- Exhibit 12-4 : Plant Patent for Sprague Peach Bush12EX-7
- Exhibit 12-5 : Plant Patent for Rose Plant Jaccart12EX-13
- Exhibit 12-6 : Plant Patent for Cherry Tree (Aaron Gee)12EX-17
- Exhibit 12-7 : Plant Patent for Chrysanthemum Plant Named Cartago12EX-21
|
|
Chapter 13: |
Electrical Patent Applications; And Exhibits |
|
|
- § 13:1 : Introduction13-1
- § 13:1.1 : Scope of Patent Protection13-2
- § 13:1.2 : Other Forms of Protection13-2
- § 13:2 : Claims13-3
- § 13:2.1 : Principles of Claims for Electrical Inventions13-3
- [A] : Use of Functional Language13-3
- [B] : Signal Claims13-6
- [C] : Other Considerations13-6
- § 13:2.2 : Practice13-7
- § 13:3 : Drawings13-9
- § 13:3.1 : Content of the Drawings13-9
- § 13:3.2 : Format of the Drawings13-11
- § 13:4 : Description13-12
- § 13:4.1 : Content—Full Disclosure of Equivalents13-12
- § 13:4.2 : Style13-15
- Exhibit 13-1 : Figure with Legends Added13EX-1
- Exhibit 13-2 : Timing Diagram13EX-3
- Exhibit 13-3 : Block Diagram of Ground Fault Detector Circuit13EX-5
- Exhibit 13-4 : Details of Ground Fault Detector Circuit13EX-7
- Exhibit 13-5 : Schematic Block Diagram of a Control System13EX-9
- Exhibit 13-6 : Simple Analog Closed Loop Position Control System13EX-11
- Exhibit 13-7 : Selected Logic Symbols for Members of a Series of Integrated Circuits13EX-13
- Exhibit 13-8 : Table of Component Types and Common Industrial Designations13EX-15
- Exhibit 13-9 : Operational Amplifier Circuit13EX-17
- Exhibit 13-10 : Operational Amplifier Block13EX-19
|
|
Chapter 14: |
Patent Applications for Software and Methods of Doing Business; And Exhibits |
|
|
- § 14:1 : Introduction14-2
- § 14:1.1 : Background14-2
- § 14:1.2 : Alternative Forms of Protection14-3
- § 14:1.3 : Advantages of Utility Patents14-3
- § 14:1.4 : Definitions14-4
- § 14:2 : Patentable Subject Matter14-4
- § 14:2.1 : Statutory Nonpatentable Subject Matter14-4
- § 14:2.2 : Bilski14-4
- § 14:2.3 : What Is “Abstract”?14-7
- § 14:2.4 : PTO Guidelines14-8
- § 14:2.5 : Application of Bilski14-12
- § 14:2.6 : Suggestions for Satisfying the Bilski Test14-14
- § 14:2.7 : Pre-Bilski Decisions14-14
- § 14:3 : Obviousness14-18
- § 14:4 : Claims14-18
- § 14:4.1 : Identifying the Prior Art14-19
- § 14:4.2 : Types of Claims14-19
- [A] : Apparatus Claims14-19
- [B] : Method Claims14-23
- [C] : Software Product Claims14-26
- [D] : Signal Claims14-26
- [E] : Beauregard Claims14-27
- § 14:4.3 : Claim Drafting Considerations14-27
- [A] : Draft the Claims to Catch Infringers14-28
- [B] : Drafting Claims for a High Royalty Base14-29
- [C] : Drafting Claims Directed to Statutory Subject Matter14-30
- [C][1] : Exclude Algorithms from the Claims14-31
- [C][2] : Include Tangible Elements14-34
- [C][3] : Transform Something Physical14-36
- [C][4] : Post-Solution Activity14-39
- [C][5] : Produce a Useful, Concrete, Tangible Result14-40
- § 14:5 : Disclosure14-41
- § 14:5.1 : The Disclosure Must Satisfy 35 U.S.C. § 11214-41
- § 14:5.2 : Sequence for the Description14-45
- [A] : Computer System Context14-45
- [B] : Major Component Overview14-46
- [C] : Major Component Details14-46
- [D] : Examples of Operation14-48
- § 14:5.3 : Standard Terminology14-49
- § 14:6 : Drawings and Computer Program Listings14-49
- § 14:6.1 : Drawings14-50
- § 14:6.2 : Computer Program Listings14-51
- Exhibit 14-1 : Inference Engine, U.S. Patent No. 4,890,24014EX-1
- Exhibit 14-2 : Set of Data Structures, U.S. Patent No. 4,890,24014EX-3
- Exhibit 14-3 : Called Routine, U.S. Patent No. 4,890,24014EX-5
- Exhibit 14-4 : Flow Diagram of the Overall Invention, U.S. Patent No. 4,890,24014EX-7
|
|
Chapter 15: |
Patent Applications for the Chemical Invention; And Exhibit |
|
|
- § 15:1 : Introduction15-2
- § 15:2 : Obviousness15-2
- § 15:3 : The Specification15-4
- § 15:3.1 : The Written Description Requirement15-5
- [A] : Paraphrase the Main Claim15-5
- [B] : Describe Species and Subgenuses15-6
- § 15:3.2 : The Enablement Requirement15-7
- [A] : How to Make15-7
- [A][1] : Starting Materials15-7
- [A][2] : Reaction Conditions15-8
- [A][3] : Working Examples15-8
- [B] : Checklist for Enablement15-10
- [C] : How to Use and Utility15-10
- § 15:3.3 : The “Best Mode” Requirement15-11
- § 15:3.4 : Indefiniteness in the Claims15-13
- § 15:4 : Claiming the Chemical Invention15-13
- § 15:4.1 : What to Claim15-13
- § 15:4.2 : Markush Practice15-14
- § 15:4.3 : Product-by-Process Claims15-15
- § 15:4.4 : Use of Functional Expressions15-16
- § 15:4.5 : Operability15-17
- § 15:4.6 : Use of Broad Claim Language15-17
- § 15:5 : Other Considerations15-18
- Exhibit 15-1 : Checklist for Enablement in Chemical Applications15EX-1
|
|
Chapter 16: |
Biotechnology Patent Applications |
|
|
- § 16:1 : Introduction16-2
- § 16:1.1 : Scope of This Chapter16-2
- § 16:1.2 : What Is Biotechnology?16-2
- § 16:1.3 : Alternative Forms of Protection16-3
- § 16:1.4 : Does a Patent Application Make Economic Sense?16-4
- § 16:2 : Identifying the Invention16-5
- § 16:3 : Patentability of Biotechnology Inventions16-8
- § 16:3.1 : Patentable Subject Matter16-8
- § 16:3.2 : Utility16-14
- [A] : General Principles16-14
- [B] : Utility Problems for Biotechnology Inventions16-14
- § 16:3.3 : Novelty16-18
- § 16:3.4 : Obviousness16-20
- § 16:4 : Satisfying the Requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 11216-24
- § 16:4.1 : The Requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 11216-24
- § 16:4.2 : Written Description16-24
- § 16:4.3 : Enablement16-29
- § 16:4.4 : Best Mode16-33
- § 16:4.5 : Deposits16-34
- § 16:4.6 : Presentation of Nucleotide or Amino Acid Sequence Data or Both16-37
- § 16:5 : Claims16-39
- § 16:5.1 : Claim-Breadth Problems16-39
- § 16:5.2 : Restriction Requirements16-41
- § 16:5.3 : Claim Format16-41
- § 16:5.4 : Claim Definiteness16-43
- § 16:5.5 : Use of Method Claims16-43
- § 16:5.6 : Exemplary Biotechnology Claims16-44
- § 16:5.7 : Claim Strategies for Biotechnology Inventions16-51
- [A] : Nucleic Acids16-51
- [B] : Promoter Sequences16-53
- [C] : Vectors and Transfected Cells16-54
- [D] : Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs)16-54
- [E] : Antisense Nucleic Acids16-54
- [F] : Transgenic Animals16-56
- [G] : Genetic Therapy16-57
- [H] : Polypeptides16-58
- [I] : Vaccines16-60
- [J] : Antibodies and Hybridomas16-60
- [K] : DNA Chips (Microarrays) and Their Use16-62
- [L] : Combinatorial Libraries16-62
- [M] : Assays for Biological Compounds16-63
- [N] : New Uses of Known Biological Molecules16-65
- [O] : Metabolites16-66
- [P] : Drugs16-67
|
|
Chapter 17: |
Preparing Foreign Patent Applications Based on a U.S. Application; And Exhibits |
|
|
- § 17:1 : Introduction17-3
- § 17:1.1 : Scope of This Chapter17-3
- § 17:1.2 : The Cost/Benefit Ratio of Foreign Filing17-3
- § 17:1.3 : Should the U.S. Specification Be Revised for Foreign Filing?17-4
- § 17:2 : The Basic Framework of Foreign Filing17-4
- § 17:2.1 : Claiming Priority17-4
- § 17:2.2 : National, Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and European Patent Convention (EPC) Filing Procedures17-4
- [A] : Choosing Between Different Filings17-4
- [B] : The European Patent Convention (EPC)17-5
- [C] : Other Regional Treaties17-6
- [D] : The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)17-6
- [E] : Delayed Examination17-7
- [F] : Duty of Disclosure17-7
- [G] : Applicants17-8
- [H] : Foreign Associates17-8
- [I] : Translations17-8
- [J] : Assignments17-9
- § 17:3 : Revising the U.S. Application17-9
- § 17:3.1 : General Considerations17-9
- [A] : Brevity17-9
- [B] : Clarity and Consistency, Especially with a View to Translation17-10
- [C] : Foreign Filing License17-10
- § 17:3.2 : Revising the Claims17-11
- [A] : Reducing the Number of Claims17-11
- [B] : Revising the Independent Claims17-11
- [B][1] : Has the Invention Changed Since the U.S. Filing?17-11
- [B][2] : Is the Same Prior Art Available Against the Foreign Applications As Against the U.S. Application?17-11
- [B][3] : Does the U.S. Application Contain Independent Claims That Depend Upon Different Features for Novelty?17-12
- [B][4] : Definitions in Independent Claims by Reference to Earlier Claims17-13
- [B][5] : Can Further Independent Claims Be Added?17-13
- [B][6] : Who Will Infringe the Claims, and How Will Infringement Be Proved?17-13
- [B][7] : Construction of Claims17-13
- [B][8] : Should the Claims Include Reference Numerals?17-13
- [B][9] : How Many Independent Claims?17-14
- [B][10] : Characterizing and Pre-Characterizing Clauses17-14
- [B][11] : Issues of the 35 U.S.C. § 101 Type17-14
- [C] : Drafting the Dependent Claims17-15
- [C][1] : Does the Foreign Specification Include New Subject Matter or Claim Two U.S. Priorities?17-15
- [C][2] : How Many Dependent Claims?17-15
- § 17:3.3 : Drafting the Description, Drawings and Abstract17-16
- [A] : Reference to the Prior Art17-16
- [B] : Summary of the Invention17-16
- [C] : Detailed Description of the Invention17-17
- [C][1] : Basis for Features That May Be Needed to Limit the Claims17-17
- [C][2] : Disclosure of Best Mode17-18
- [C][3] : Adequacy of the Disclosure of the Invention17-18
- [C][4] : Incorporation by Reference17-18
- [C][5] : Non-Metric (Non-SI) Units17-18
- [C][6] : Should the Description Include Headings?17-19
- [C][7] : Drafting a PCT Application Which Is to Become a CIP Application in the United States17-19
- [D] : Drawings17-19
- [E] : Abstract17-19
- § 17:3.4 : Different Specifications for Different Foreign Countries17-19
- § 17:4 : Conclusion17-20
- Exhibit 17-1 : Factors to Be Considered When Filing Foreign Patent Applications Based on a U.S. Application17EX-1
- Exhibit 17-2 : Model Assignment for Use When a PCT Application Containing Added Subject Matter Has Been Filed17EX-3
- Exhibit 17-3 : Checklist for E-Filing of PCT Patent Applications17EX-7
|
|
Chapter 18: |
Reissue Patent Applications; And Exhibits |
|
|
- § 18:1 : Procedure for Correcting an Issued Patent18-1
- § 18:2 : Introduction to Reissue Patents18-2
- § 18:2.1 : What Can Be Accomplished with a Reissue Patent18-3
- § 18:2.2 : What Cannot Be Accomplished with a Reissue Application18-4
- § 18:2.3 : Intervening Rights18-4
- § 18:3 : Procedural Aspects of the Reissue Application18-5
- § 18:3.1 : Diligence18-5
- § 18:3.2 : Who Can Apply18-5
- § 18:4 : Contents of the Reissue Application18-5
- § 18:4.1 : Overview of the Contents18-5
- § 18:4.2 : Revised Specification and Drawings18-6
- § 18:4.3 : Reissue Claims18-6
- § 18:4.4 : Reissue Oath18-8
- § 18:4.5 : Claim for Priority18-8
- § 18:4.6 : Petition to Make Special18-8
- § 18:4.7 : Information Disclosure Statement18-8
- § 18:4.8 : Other Papers18-9
- § 18:5 : Tactical Considerations18-9
- Exhibit 18-1 : Reissue Application Declaration18EX-1
- Exhibit 18-2 : Contingent Request for Transfer of Drawings to Reissue File18EX-3
- Exhibit 18-3 : Consent for Reissue18EX-5
|
|
Appendix A: |
Selected Provisions of Title 35 United States Code: Patents |
|
|
|
Appendix B: |
Selected Provisions of Title 37 Code of Federal Regulations: Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights |
|
|
|
|
Table of Authorities |
|
|
|
|
Index to How to Write a Patent Application |
|
|