The international application shall relate to one invention only\n \t\t\t\t\tor to a group of inventions so linked as to form a single general inventive\n \t\t\t\t\tconcept (“requirement of unity of invention”).\n
","rendered_text_plain":"The international application shall relate to one invention only or to a group of inventions so linked as to form a single general inventive concept (“requirement of unity of invention”).","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175269","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_4wknvapv","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_4wknvapv","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Where a group of inventions is claimed in one and the same\n \t\t\t\t\tinternational application, the requirement of unity of invention referred to in\n \t\t\t\t\t\tRule\n \t\t\t\t\t\t13.1 shall be fulfilled only when there is a technical\n \t\t\t\t\trelationship among those inventions involving one or more of the same or\n \t\t\t\t\tcorresponding special technical features. The expression “special technical\n \t\t\t\t\tfeatures” shall mean those technical features that define a contribution which\n \t\t\t\t\teach of the claimed inventions, considered as a whole, makes over the prior\n \t\t\t\t\tart.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Where a group of inventions is claimed in one and the same international application, the requirement of unity of invention referred to in Rule 13.1 shall be fulfilled only when there is a technical relationship among those inventions involving one or more of the same or corresponding special technical features. 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.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175279","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_xqc6qpim","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_xqc6qpim","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The determination whether a group of inventions is so linked as\n \t\t\t\t\tto form a single general inventive concept shall be made without regard to\n \t\t\t\t\twhether the inventions are claimed in separate claims or as alternatives within\n \t\t\t\t\ta single claim.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"The determination whether a group of inventions is so linked as to form a single general inventive concept shall be made without regard to whether the inventions are claimed in separate claims or as alternatives within a single claim.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175292","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_ye5xy7yv","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_ye5xy7yv","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Subject to Rule 13.1, it shall be\n \t\t\t\t\tpermitted to include in the same international application a reasonable number\n \t\t\t\t\tof dependent claims, claiming specific forms of the invention claimed in an\n \t\t\t\t\tindependent claim, even where the features of any dependent claim could be\n \t\t\t\t\tconsidered as constituting in themselves an invention. \n
","rendered_text_plain":"Subject to Rule 13.1, it shall be permitted to include in the same international application a reasonable number of dependent claims, claiming specific forms of the invention claimed in an independent claim, even where the features of any dependent claim could be considered as constituting in themselves an invention.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175302","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_sbufuen5","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_sbufuen5","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Any designated State in which the grant of a utility model is\n \t\t\t\t\tsought on the basis of an international application may, instead of\n \t\t\t\t\t\tRules\n \t\t\t\t\t\t13.1 to 13.4, apply in respect of\n \t\t\t\t\tthe matters regulated in those Rules the provisions of its national law\n \t\t\t\t\tconcerning utility models once the processing of the international application\n \t\t\t\t\thas started in that State, provided that the applicant shall be allowed at least\n \t\t\t\t\ttwo months from the expiration of the time limit applicable under\n \t\t\t\t\t\tArticle\n \t\t\t\t\t\t22 to adapt his application to the requirements of the\n \t\t\t\t\tsaid provisions of the national law.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Any designated State in which the grant of a utility model is sought on the basis of an international application may, instead of Rules 13.1 to 13.4, apply in respect of the matters regulated in those Rules the provisions of its national law concerning utility models once the processing of the international application has started in that State, provided that the applicant shall be allowed at least two months from the expiration of the time limit applicable under Article 22 to adapt his application to the requirements of the said provisions of the national law.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175315","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"li_cbws4vlu","node_type":"list_item","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/li_cbws4vlu","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The invitation to pay additional fees provided for in\n \t\t\t\t\t\tArticle\n \t\t\t\t\t\t17(3)(a) shall: \n
","rendered_text_plain":"The invitation to pay additional fees provided for in Article 17(3)(a) shall:","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175343","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_goflubng","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_goflubng","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"","rendered_text_plain":"","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"ch1800_d24d75_20500_172","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"decorative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_me45njd2","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_me45njd2","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Any international application must relate to one invention only or\n \t\t\t\tto a group of inventions so linked as to form a single general inventive concept\n \t\t\t\t\t(PCT Article\n \t\t\t\t\t3(4)(iii) and 17(3)(a), PCT Rule\n \t\t\t\t13.1, and 37 CFR 1.475). Observance of\n \t\t\t\tthis requirement is checked by the International Searching Authority and may be\n \t\t\t\trelevant in the national (or regional) phase.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Any international application must relate to one invention only or to a group of inventions so linked as to form a single general inventive concept (PCT Article 3(4)(iii) and 17(3)(a), PCT Rule 13.1, and 37 CFR 1.475). Observance of this requirement is checked by the International Searching Authority and may be relevant in the national (or regional) phase.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175457","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_yleoszu4","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_yleoszu4","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The decision in \n \t\t\t\tCaterpillar Tractor Co. v. Commissioner of Patents and\n \t\t\t\t\tTrademarks, 650 F. Supp. 218, 231 USPQ 590 (E.D. Va. 1986) held that\n \t\t\t\tthe Patent and Trademark Office interpretation of 37 CFR\n \t\t\t\t\t1.141(b)(2) as applied to unity of invention determinations\n \t\t\t\tin international applications was not in accordance with the Patent Cooperation\n \t\t\t\tTreaty and its implementing regulations. In the Caterpillar international\n \t\t\t\tapplication, the USPTO acting as an International Searching Authority, had held lack\n \t\t\t\tof unity of invention between a set of claims directed to a process for forming a\n \t\t\t\tsprocket and a set of claims drawn to an apparatus (die) for forging a sprocket. The\n \t\t\t\tcourt stated that it was an unreasonable interpretation to say that the expression\n \t\t\t\t“specifically designed” as found in former PCT Rule 13.2(ii) means that the process\n \t\t\t\tand apparatus have unity of invention if they can only be used with each other, as\n \t\t\t\twas set forth in MPEP § 806.05(e). \n
","rendered_text_plain":"The decision in Caterpillar Tractor Co. v. Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, 650 F. Supp. 218, 231 USPQ 590 (E.D. Va. 1986) held that the Patent and Trademark Office interpretation of 37 CFR 1.141(b)(2) as applied to unity of invention determinations in international applications was not in accordance with the Patent Cooperation Treaty and its implementing regulations. In the Caterpillar international application, the USPTO acting as an International Searching Authority, had held lack of unity of invention between a set of claims directed to a process for forming a sprocket and a set of claims drawn to an apparatus (die) for forging a sprocket. The court stated that it was an unreasonable interpretation to say that the expression “specifically designed” as found in former PCT Rule 13.2(ii) means that the process and apparatus have unity of invention if they can only be used with each other, as was set forth in MPEP § 806.05(e).","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175475","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_yjefqqkq","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_yjefqqkq","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Therefore, when the Office considers international applications as\n \t\t\t\tan International Searching Authority, as an International Preliminary Examining\n \t\t\t\tAuthority, and during the national stage as a Designated or Elected Office under\n \t\t\t\t\t35 U.S.C.\n \t\t\t\t\t371, PCT Rule 13.1 and\n \t\t\t\t\t13.2 will be followed when considering unity of invention of\n \t\t\t\tclaims of different categories without regard to the practice in national\n \t\t\t\tapplications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111. No change was\n \t\t\t\tmade in restriction practice in United States national applications filed under\n \t\t\t\t\t35 U.S.C.\n \t\t\t\t\t111 outside the PCT. \n
","rendered_text_plain":"Therefore, when the Office considers international applications as an International Searching Authority, as an International Preliminary Examining Authority, and during the national stage as a Designated or Elected Office under 35 U.S.C. 371, PCT Rule 13.1 and 13.2 will be followed when considering unity of invention of claims of different categories without regard to the practice in national applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111. No change was made in restriction practice in United States national applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111 outside the PCT.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175493","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_clypiigz","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_clypiigz","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"In applying PCT Rule 13.2 to international\n \t\t\t\tapplications as an International Searching Authority, an International Preliminary\n \t\t\t\tExamining Authority and to national stage applications under 35 U.S.C.\n \t\t\t\t371, examiners should consider for unity of invention all the\n \t\t\t\tclaims to different categories of invention in the application and permit retention\n \t\t\t\tin the same application for searching and/or preliminary examination, claims to the\n \t\t\t\tcategories which meet the requirements of PCT Rule 13.2. \n
","rendered_text_plain":"In applying PCT Rule 13.2 to international applications as an International Searching Authority, an International Preliminary Examining Authority and to national stage applications under 35 U.S.C. 371, examiners should consider for unity of invention all the claims to different categories of invention in the application and permit retention in the same application for searching and/or preliminary examination, claims to the categories which meet the requirements of PCT Rule 13.2.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175511","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_ss6himys","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_ss6himys","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"PCT Rule\n \t\t\t\t\t13.2, as it was modified effective July 1, 1992, no longer\n \t\t\t\tspecifies the combinations of categories of invention which are considered to have\n \t\t\t\tunity of invention. Those categories, which now appear as a part of Chapter 10 of\n \t\t\t\tthe International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines, may be obtained\n \t\t\t\tfrom the Patent Examiner’s Toolkit link or from WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/pct/en/texts/gdlines.html). The categories of\n \t\t\t\tinvention in former PCT Rule 13.2 have been replaced with a statement describing the\n \t\t\t\tmethod for determining whether the requirement of unity of invention is satisfied.\n \t\t\t\tUnity of invention exists only when there is a technical relationship among the\n \t\t\t\tclaimed inventions involving one or more special technical features. The term\n \t\t\t\t“special technical features” is defined as meaning those technical features that\n \t\t\t\tdefine a contribution which each of the inventions considered as a whole, makes over\n \t\t\t\tthe prior art. The determination is made based on the contents of the claims as\n \t\t\t\tinterpreted in light of the description and drawings. Chapter 10 of the\n \t\t\t\tInternational Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines also contains examples\n \t\t\t\tconcerning unity of invention.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"PCT Rule 13.2, as it was modified effective July 1, 1992, no longer specifies the combinations of categories of invention which are considered to have unity of invention. Those categories, which now appear as a part of Chapter 10 of the International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines, may be obtained from the Patent Examiner’s Toolkit link or from WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/pct/en/texts/gdlines.html). The categories of invention in former PCT Rule 13.2 have been replaced with a statement describing the method for determining whether the requirement of unity of invention is satisfied. Unity of invention exists only when there is a technical relationship among the claimed inventions involving one or more special technical features. The term “special technical features” is defined as meaning those technical features that define a contribution which each of the inventions considered as a whole, makes over the prior art. The determination is made based on the contents of the claims as interpreted in light of the description and drawings. Chapter 10 of the International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines also contains examples concerning unity of invention.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175523","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_3am5xyvm","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_3am5xyvm","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"II. DETERMINATION OF “UNITY OF INVENTION”","rendered_text_plain":"II. DETERMINATION OF “UNITY OF INVENTION”","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.2","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"II. DETERMINATION OF “UNITY OF INVENTION”"},{"id":"pb_77n2iqjy","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_77n2iqjy","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"An international application should relate to only one invention\n \t\t\t\tor, if there is more than one invention, the inclusion of those inventions in one\n \t\t\t\tinternational application is only permitted if all inventions are so linked as to\n \t\t\t\tform a single general inventive concept (PCT Rule 13.1). With respect to\n \t\t\t\ta group of inventions claimed in an international application, unity of invention\n \t\t\t\texists only when there is a technical relationship among the claimed inventions\n \t\t\t\tinvolving one or more of the same or corresponding special technical features. The\n \t\t\t\texpression “special technical features” is defined in PCT Rule 13.2\n \t\t\t\tas meaning those technical features that define a contribution which each of the\n \t\t\t\tinventions, considered as a whole, makes over the prior art. The determination is\n \t\t\t\tmade on the contents of the claims as interpreted in light of the description and\n \t\t\t\tdrawings (if any).\n
","rendered_text_plain":"An international application should relate to only one invention or, if there is more than one invention, the inclusion of those inventions in one international application is only permitted if all inventions are so linked as to form a single general inventive concept (PCT Rule 13.1). With respect to a group of inventions claimed in an international application, unity of invention exists only when there is a technical relationship among the claimed inventions involving one or more of the same or corresponding special technical features. The expression “special technical features” is defined in PCT Rule 13.2 as meaning those technical features that define a contribution which each of the inventions, considered as a whole, makes over the prior art. The determination is made on the contents of the claims as interpreted in light of the description and drawings (if any).","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175535","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_6bqf4jml","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_6bqf4jml","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Whether or not any particular technical feature makes a\n \t\t\t\t“contribution” over the prior art, and therefore constitutes a “special technical\n \t\t\t\tfeature,” should be considered with respect to novelty and inventive step. For\n \t\t\t\texample, a document discovered in the international search shows that there is a\n \t\t\t\tpresumption of lack of novelty or inventive step in a main claim, so that there may\n \t\t\t\tbe no technical relationship left over the prior art among the claimed inventions\n \t\t\t\tinvolving one or more of the same or corresponding special technical features,\n \t\t\t\tleaving two or more dependent claims without a single general inventive concept.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Whether or not any particular technical feature makes a “contribution” over the prior art, and therefore constitutes a “special technical feature,” should be considered with respect to novelty and inventive step. For example, a document discovered in the international search shows that there is a presumption of lack of novelty or inventive step in a main claim, so that there may be no technical relationship left over the prior art among the claimed inventions involving one or more of the same or corresponding special technical features, leaving two or more dependent claims without a single general inventive concept.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175544","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_wfb4mkv2","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_wfb4mkv2","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Lack of unity of invention may be directly evident “a\n \t\t\t\t\tpriori,” i.e., before considering the claims in relation to any prior\n \t\t\t\tart, or may only become apparent “a posteriori,” i.e., after\n \t\t\t\ttaking the prior art into consideration. For example, independent claims to A + X, A\n \t\t\t\t+ Y, X + Y can be said to lack unity a priori as there is no\n \t\t\t\tsubject matter common to all claims. In the case of independent claims to A + X and\n \t\t\t\tA + Y, unity of invention is present a priori as A is common to\n \t\t\t\tboth claims. However, if it can be established that A is known, there is lack of\n \t\t\t\tunity a posteriori, since A (be it a single feature or a group of\n \t\t\t\tfeatures) is not a technical feature that defines a contribution over the prior\n \t\t\t\tart.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Lack of unity of invention may be directly evident “a priori,” i.e., before considering the claims in relation to any prior art, or may only become apparent “a posteriori,” i.e., after taking the prior art into consideration. For example, independent claims to A + X, A + Y, X + Y can be said to lack unity a priori as there is no subject matter common to all claims. In the case of independent claims to A + X and A + Y, unity of invention is present a priori as A is common to both claims. However, if it can be established that A is known, there is lack of unity a posteriori, since A (be it a single feature or a group of features) is not a technical feature that defines a contribution over the prior art.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175547","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_ak56ildi","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_ak56ildi","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Although lack of unity of invention should certainly be raised in\n \t\t\t\tclear cases, it should neither be raised nor maintained on the basis of a narrow,\n \t\t\t\tliteral or academic approach. There should be a broad, practical consideration of\n \t\t\t\tthe degree of interdependence of the alternatives presented, in relation to the\n \t\t\t\tstate of the art as revealed by the international search or, in accordance with\n \t\t\t\t\tPCT Article\n \t\t\t\t\t33(6), by any additional document considered to be relevant.\n \t\t\t\tIf the common matter of the independent claims is well known and the remaining\n \t\t\t\tsubject matter of each claim differs from that of the others without there being any\n \t\t\t\tunifying novel inventive concept common to all, then clearly there is lack of unity\n \t\t\t\tof invention. If, on the other hand, there is a single general inventive concept\n \t\t\t\tthat appears novel and involves inventive step, then there is unity of invention and\n \t\t\t\tan objection of lack of unity does not arise. For determining the action to be taken\n \t\t\t\tby the examiner between these two extremes, rigid rules cannot be given and each\n \t\t\t\tcase should be considered on its merits, the benefit of any doubt being given to the\n \t\t\t\tapplicant. \n
","rendered_text_plain":"Although lack of unity of invention should certainly be raised in clear cases, it should neither be raised nor maintained on the basis of a narrow, literal or academic approach. There should be a broad, practical consideration of the degree of interdependence of the alternatives presented, in relation to the state of the art as revealed by the international search or, in accordance with PCT Article 33(6), by any additional document considered to be relevant. If the common matter of the independent claims is well known and the remaining subject matter of each claim differs from that of the others without there being any unifying novel inventive concept common to all, then clearly there is lack of unity of invention. If, on the other hand, there is a single general inventive concept that appears novel and involves inventive step, then there is unity of invention and an objection of lack of unity does not arise. For determining the action to be taken by the examiner between these two extremes, rigid rules cannot be given and each case should be considered on its merits, the benefit of any doubt being given to the applicant.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175565","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_gdugiia6","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_gdugiia6","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"From the preceding paragraphs it is clear that the decision with\n \t\t\t\trespect to unity of invention rests with the International Searching Authority or\n \t\t\t\tthe International Preliminary Examining Authority. However, the International\n \t\t\t\tSearching Authority or the International Preliminary Examining Authority should not\n \t\t\t\traise objection of lack of unity of invention merely because the inventions claimed\n \t\t\t\tare classified in separate classification groups or merely for the purpose of\n \t\t\t\trestricting the international search to certain classification groups.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"From the preceding paragraphs it is clear that the decision with respect to unity of invention rests with the International Searching Authority or the International Preliminary Examining Authority. However, the International Searching Authority or the International Preliminary Examining Authority should not raise objection of lack of unity of invention merely because the inventions claimed are classified in separate classification groups or merely for the purpose of restricting the international search to certain classification groups.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175571","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_ojwwrgel","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_ojwwrgel","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Unity of invention has to be considered in the first place only in\n \t\t\t\trelation to the independent claims in an international application and not the\n \t\t\t\tdependent claims. By “dependent” claim is meant a claim which contains all the\n \t\t\t\tfeatures of one or more other claims and contains a reference, preferably at the\n \t\t\t\tbeginning, to the other claim or claims and then states the additional features\n \t\t\t\tclaimed (PCT Rule\n \t\t\t\t\t6.4). The examiner should bear in mind that a claim may also\n \t\t\t\tcontain a reference to another claim even if it is not a dependent claim as defined\n \t\t\t\tin PCT Rule\n \t\t\t\t\t6.4. One example of this is a claim referring to a claim of a\n \t\t\t\tdifferent category (for example, “Apparatus for carrying out the process of Claim 1\n \t\t\t\t...,” or “Process for the manufacture of the product of Claim 1 ...”). Similarly, a\n \t\t\t\tclaim to one part referring to another cooperating part, for example, “plug for\n \t\t\t\tcooperation with the socket of Claim 1 ...”) is not a dependent claim. \n
","rendered_text_plain":"Unity of invention has to be considered in the first place only in relation to the independent claims in an international application and not the dependent claims. By “dependent” claim is meant a claim which contains all the features of one or more other claims and contains a reference, preferably at the beginning, to the other claim or claims and then states the additional features claimed (PCT Rule 6.4). The examiner should bear in mind that a claim may also contain a reference to another claim even if it is not a dependent claim as defined in PCT Rule 6.4. One example of this is a claim referring to a claim of a different category (for example, “Apparatus for carrying out the process of Claim 1 ...,” or “Process for the manufacture of the product of Claim 1 ...”). Similarly, a claim to one part referring to another cooperating part, for example, “plug for cooperation with the socket of Claim 1 ...”) is not a dependent claim.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175574","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_x4gfcgmi","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_x4gfcgmi","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"If the independent claims avoid the prior art and satisfy the\n \t\t\t\trequirement of unity of invention, no problem of lack of unity arises in respect of\n \t\t\t\tany claims that depend on the independent claims. In particular, it does not matter\n \t\t\t\tif a dependent claim itself contains a further invention. For example, suppose claim\n \t\t\t\t1 claims a turbine rotor blade shaped in a specified manner such that it avoids the\n \t\t\t\tprior art, while claim 2 is for a “turbine rotor blade as claimed in claim 1” and\n \t\t\t\tproduced from alloy Z. Then no objection under PCT Rule 13 arises either\n \t\t\t\tbecause alloy Z was new and its composition was not obvious and thus the alloy\n \t\t\t\titself already contains the essential features of an independent possibly later\n \t\t\t\tpatentable invention, or because, although alloy Z was not new, its application in\n \t\t\t\trespect of turbine rotor blades was not obvious, and thus represents an independent\n \t\t\t\tinvention in conjunction with turbine rotor blades. As another example, suppose that\n \t\t\t\tthe main claim defines a process avoiding the prior art for the preparation of a\n \t\t\t\tproduct A starting from a product B and the second claim reads: “Process according\n \t\t\t\tto claim 1 characterized by producing B by a reaction using the product C.” In this\n \t\t\t\tcase, too, no objection arises under PCT Rule 13, whether or not the\n \t\t\t\tprocess for preparation of B from C is novel and inventive, since claim 2 contains\n \t\t\t\tall the features of claim 1. Equally, no problem arises in the case of a\n \t\t\t\tgenus/species situation where the genus claim avoids the prior art, provided the\n \t\t\t\tgenus claim is directed only to alternatives of a similar nature and the species\n \t\t\t\tfalls entirely within the genus. To determine if a genus claim is directed only to\n \t\t\t\talternatives “of a similar nature,” see subsection III.B. below. Moreover, no\n \t\t\t\tproblem arises in the case of a combination/subcombination situation where the\n \t\t\t\tsubcombination claim avoids the prior art and the combination claim includes all the\n \t\t\t\tfeatures of the subcombination.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"If the independent claims avoid the prior art and satisfy the requirement of unity of invention, no problem of lack of unity arises in respect of any claims that depend on the independent claims. In particular, it does not matter if a dependent claim itself contains a further invention. For example, suppose claim 1 claims a turbine rotor blade shaped in a specified manner such that it avoids the prior art, while claim 2 is for a “turbine rotor blade as claimed in claim 1” and produced from alloy Z. Then no objection under PCT Rule 13 arises either because alloy Z was new and its composition was not obvious and thus the alloy itself already contains the essential features of an independent possibly later patentable invention, or because, although alloy Z was not new, its application in respect of turbine rotor blades was not obvious, and thus represents an independent invention in conjunction with turbine rotor blades. As another example, suppose that the main claim defines a process avoiding the prior art for the preparation of a product A starting from a product B and the second claim reads: “Process according to claim 1 characterized by producing B by a reaction using the product C.” In this case, too, no objection arises under PCT Rule 13, whether or not the process for preparation of B from C is novel and inventive, since claim 2 contains all the features of claim 1. Equally, no problem arises in the case of a genus/species situation where the genus claim avoids the prior art, provided the genus claim is directed only to alternatives of a similar nature and the species falls entirely within the genus. To determine if a genus claim is directed only to alternatives “of a similar nature,” see subsection III.B. below. Moreover, no problem arises in the case of a combination/subcombination situation where the subcombination claim avoids the prior art and the combination claim includes all the features of the subcombination.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175583","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_luhcy2sq","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_luhcy2sq","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"If, however, an independent claim does not avoid the prior art,\n \t\t\t\tthen the question whether there is still an inventive link between all the claims\n \t\t\t\tdependent on that claim needs to be carefully considered. If there is no link\n \t\t\t\tremaining, an objection of lack of unity a posteriori (that is,\n \t\t\t\tarising only after assessment of the prior art) may be raised. Similar\n \t\t\t\tconsiderations apply in the case of a genus/species or combination/subcombination\n \t\t\t\tsituation.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"If, however, an independent claim does not avoid the prior art, then the question whether there is still an inventive link between all the claims dependent on that claim needs to be carefully considered. If there is no link remaining, an objection of lack of unity a posteriori (that is, arising only after assessment of the prior art) may be raised. Similar considerations apply in the case of a genus/species or combination/subcombination situation.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175592","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_uafcrdj4","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_uafcrdj4","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"This method for determining whether unity of invention exists is\n \t\t\t\tintended to be applied even before the commencement of the international search.\n \t\t\t\tWhere a search of the prior art is made, an initial determination of unity of\n \t\t\t\tinvention, based on the assumption that the claims avoid the prior art, may be\n \t\t\t\treconsidered on the basis of the results of the search of the prior art.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"This method for determining whether unity of invention exists is intended to be applied even before the commencement of the international search. Where a search of the prior art is made, an initial determination of unity of invention, based on the assumption that the claims avoid the prior art, may be reconsidered on the basis of the results of the search of the prior art.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175598","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_w4425sz5","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_w4425sz5","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Alternative forms of an invention may be claimed either in a\n \t\t\t\tplurality of independent claims, or in a single claim. In the latter case, the\n \t\t\t\tpresence of the independent alternatives may not be immediately apparent. In either\n \t\t\t\tcase, however, the same criteria should be applied in deciding whether there is\n \t\t\t\tunity of invention. Accordingly, lack of unity of invention may exist within a\n \t\t\t\tsingle claim. Where the claim contains distinct embodiments that are not linked by a\n \t\t\t\tsingle general inventive concept, the objection as to lack of unity of invention\n \t\t\t\tshould be raised. PCT Rule 13.3 does not prevent an Authority from objecting\n \t\t\t\tto alternatives being contained within a single claim on the basis of considerations\n \t\t\t\tsuch as clarity, the conciseness of claims or the claims fee system applicable in\n \t\t\t\tthat Authority.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Alternative forms of an invention may be claimed either in a plurality of independent claims, or in a single claim. In the latter case, the presence of the independent alternatives may not be immediately apparent. In either case, however, the same criteria should be applied in deciding whether there is unity of invention. Accordingly, lack of unity of invention may exist within a single claim. Where the claim contains distinct embodiments that are not linked by a single general inventive concept, the objection as to lack of unity of invention should be raised. PCT Rule 13.3 does not prevent an Authority from objecting to alternatives being contained within a single claim on the basis of considerations such as clarity, the conciseness of claims or the claims fee system applicable in that Authority.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175601","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_tjowrmb2","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_tjowrmb2","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Objection of lack of unity of invention does not normally arise if\n \t\t\t\tthe combination of a number of individual elements is claimed in a single claim (as\n \t\t\t\topposed to distinct embodiments as discussed in the paragraph immediately above),\n \t\t\t\teven if these elements seem unrelated when considered individually.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Objection of lack of unity of invention does not normally arise if the combination of a number of individual elements is claimed in a single claim (as opposed to distinct embodiments as discussed in the paragraph immediately above), even if these elements seem unrelated when considered individually.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175607","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_pnmlmpby","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_pnmlmpby","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"III. ILLUSTRATIONS OF PARTICULAR SITUATIONS","rendered_text_plain":"III. ILLUSTRATIONS OF PARTICULAR SITUATIONS","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.4","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"III. ILLUSTRATIONS OF PARTICULAR SITUATIONS"},{"id":"pb_ysq7tdyj","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_ysq7tdyj","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"There are three particular situations for which the method for\n \t\t\t\tdetermining unity of invention contained in PCT Rule 13.2 is explained in\n \t\t\t\tgreater detail: \n
","rendered_text_plain":"There are three particular situations for which the method for determining unity of invention contained in PCT Rule 13.2 is explained in greater detail:","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175614","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"li_6xnxnoge","node_type":"list_item","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/li_6xnxnoge","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Principles for the interpretation of the method contained in\n \t\t\t\t\tPCT Rule\n \t\t\t\t\t13.2, in the context of each of those situations are set out\n \t\t\t\tbelow. It is understood that the principles set out below are, in all instances,\n \t\t\t\tinterpretations of and not exceptions to the requirements of PCT Rule\n \t\t\t\t13.2. \n
","rendered_text_plain":"Principles for the interpretation of the method contained in PCT Rule 13.2, in the context of each of those situations are set out below. It is understood that the principles set out below are, in all instances, interpretations of and not exceptions to the requirements of PCT Rule 13.2.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175633","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_rbuo5ida","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_rbuo5ida","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Examples to assist in understanding the interpretation on the three\n \t\t\t\tareas of special concern referred to in the preceding paragraph are set out in\n \t\t\t\tChapter 10 of the International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines which\n \t\t\t\tcan be obtained from the Patent Examiner’s Toolkit link or from WIPO’s website\n \t\t\t\t\t(www.wipo.int/pct/en/texts/gdlines.html).\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Examples to assist in understanding the interpretation on the three areas of special concern referred to in the preceding paragraph are set out in Chapter 10 of the International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines which can be obtained from the Patent Examiner’s Toolkit link or from WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/pct/en/texts/gdlines.html).","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175642","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_4ycmopum","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_4ycmopum","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"A. Combinations of Different Categories of Claims","rendered_text_plain":"A. Combinations of Different Categories of Claims","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.6","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"A. Combinations of Different Categories of Claims"},{"id":"pb_aatqkgxr","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_aatqkgxr","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The method for determining unity of invention under\n \t\t\t\t\t\tPCT Rule\n \t\t\t\t\t\t13 shall be construed as permitting, in particular, the\n \t\t\t\t\tinclusion of any one of the following combinations of claims of different\n \t\t\t\t\tcategories in the same international application: \n
","rendered_text_plain":"The method for determining unity of invention under PCT Rule 13 shall be construed as permitting, in particular, the inclusion of any one of the following combinations of claims of different categories in the same international application:","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175649","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"li_5h6hespp","node_type":"list_item","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/li_5h6hespp","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"A process is specially adapted for the manufacture of a product\n \t\t\t\t\tif it inherently results in the product and an apparatus or means is\n \t\t\t\t\tspecifically designed for carrying out a process if the contribution over the\n \t\t\t\t\tprior art of the apparatus or means corresponds to the contribution the process\n \t\t\t\t\tmakes over the prior art.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"A process is specially adapted for the manufacture of a product if it inherently results in the product and an apparatus or means is specifically designed for carrying out a process if the contribution over the prior art of the apparatus or means corresponds to the contribution the process makes over the prior art.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175668","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_f27fwjow","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_f27fwjow","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Thus, a process shall be considered to be specially adapted for\n \t\t\t\t\tthe manufacture of a product if the claimed process inherently results in the\n \t\t\t\t\tclaimed product with the technical relationship being present between the\n \t\t\t\t\tclaimed product and claimed process. The words “specially adapted” are not\n \t\t\t\t\tintended to imply that the product could not also be manufactured by a different\n \t\t\t\t\tprocess.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Thus, a process shall be considered to be specially adapted for the manufacture of a product if the claimed process inherently results in the claimed product with the technical relationship being present between the claimed product and claimed process. The words “specially adapted” are not intended to imply that the product could not also be manufactured by a different process.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175671","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_zlgeui36","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_zlgeui36","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Also an apparatus or means shall be considered to be\n \t\t\t\t\tspecifically designed for carrying out a claimed process if the contribution\n \t\t\t\t\tover the prior art of the apparatus or means corresponds to the contribution the\n \t\t\t\t\tprocess makes over the prior art. Consequently, it would not be sufficient that\n \t\t\t\t\tthe apparatus or means is merely capable of being used in carrying out the\n \t\t\t\t\tclaimed process. However, the expression “specifically designed” does not imply\n \t\t\t\t\tthat the apparatus or means could not be used for carrying out another process,\n \t\t\t\t\tnor that the process could not be carried out using an alternative apparatus or\n \t\t\t\t\tmeans.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Also an apparatus or means shall be considered to be specifically designed for carrying out a claimed process if the contribution over the prior art of the apparatus or means corresponds to the contribution the process makes over the prior art. Consequently, it would not be sufficient that the apparatus or means is merely capable of being used in carrying out the claimed process. However, the expression “specifically designed” does not imply that the apparatus or means could not be used for carrying out another process, nor that the process could not be carried out using an alternative apparatus or means.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175674","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_wj3rtu7z","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_wj3rtu7z","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"More extensive combinations than those set forth above should\n \t\t\t\t\tbe looked at carefully to ensure that the requirements of both PCT Rule\n \t\t\t\t\t\t13 (unity of invention) and PCT Article\n \t\t\t\t\t\t6 (conciseness of claims) are satisfied. In particular,\n \t\t\t\t\twhile a single set of independent claims according to one of (A), (B), or (C)\n \t\t\t\t\tabove is always permissible, it does not require the International Authority to\n \t\t\t\t\taccept a plurality of such sets which could arise by combining the provisions of\n \t\t\t\t\t\tPCT Rule\n \t\t\t\t\t\t13.3 (which provides that the determination of unity of\n \t\t\t\t\tinvention be made without regard to whether the inventions are claimed in\n \t\t\t\t\tseparate claims or as alternatives within a single claim), with the provisions\n \t\t\t\t\tset out above (thus resulting in a set based on each of a number of independent\n \t\t\t\t\tclaims in the same category under PCT Rule 13.3). The\n \t\t\t\t\tproliferation of claims arising from a combined effect of this kind should be\n \t\t\t\t\taccepted only exceptionally. For example, independent claims are permissible for\n \t\t\t\t\ttwo related articles such as a transmitter and receiver; however, it does not\n \t\t\t\t\tfollow that an applicant may include also, in the one international application,\n \t\t\t\t\tfour additional independent claims: two for a process for the manufacture of the\n \t\t\t\t\ttransmitter and the receiver, respectively, and two for use of the transmitter\n \t\t\t\t\tand receiver, respectively.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"More extensive combinations than those set forth above should be looked at carefully to ensure that the requirements of both PCT Rule 13 (unity of invention) and PCT Article 6 (conciseness of claims) are satisfied. In particular, while a single set of independent claims according to one of (A), (B), or (C) above is always permissible, it does not require the International Authority to accept a plurality of such sets which could arise by combining the provisions of PCT Rule 13.3 (which provides that the determination of unity of invention be made without regard to whether the inventions are claimed in separate claims or as alternatives within a single claim), with the provisions set out above (thus resulting in a set based on each of a number of independent claims in the same category under PCT Rule 13.3). The proliferation of claims arising from a combined effect of this kind should be accepted only exceptionally. For example, independent claims are permissible for two related articles such as a transmitter and receiver; however, it does not follow that an applicant may include also, in the one international application, four additional independent claims: two for a process for the manufacture of the transmitter and the receiver, respectively, and two for use of the transmitter and receiver, respectively.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175677","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_xveymt3k","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_xveymt3k","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"A single general inventive concept must link the claims in the\n \t\t\t\t\tvarious categories and in this connection the wording above should be carefully\n \t\t\t\t\tnoted. The link between product and process in (A) is that the process must be\n \t\t\t\t\t“specially adapted for the manufacture of” the product. Similarly, in (B), the\n \t\t\t\t\tapparatus or means claimed must be “specifically designed for” carrying out the\n \t\t\t\t\tprocess. Likewise, in (C), the process must be “specially adapted for the\n \t\t\t\t\tmanufacture of” the product and the apparatus must be “specifically designed\n \t\t\t\t\tfor” carrying out the process. In combinations (A) and (C), the emphasis is on,\n \t\t\t\t\tand the essence of the invention should primarily reside in, the product,\n \t\t\t\t\twhereas in combination (B) the emphasis is on, and the invention should\n \t\t\t\t\tprimarily reside in, the process. (See Examples in Chapter 10 of the\n \t\t\t\t\tInternational Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines which can be\n \t\t\t\t\tobtained from the Patent Examiner’s Toolkit link or from WIPO’s website\n \t\t\t\t\t\t(www.wipo.int/pct/en/texts/gdlines.html.))\n
","rendered_text_plain":"A single general inventive concept must link the claims in the various categories and in this connection the wording above should be carefully noted. The link between product and process in (A) is that the process must be “specially adapted for the manufacture of” the product. Similarly, in (B), the apparatus or means claimed must be “specifically designed for” carrying out the process. Likewise, in (C), the process must be “specially adapted for the manufacture of” the product and the apparatus must be “specifically designed for” carrying out the process. In combinations (A) and (C), the emphasis is on, and the essence of the invention should primarily reside in, the product, whereas in combination (B) the emphasis is on, and the invention should primarily reside in, the process. (See Examples in Chapter 10 of the International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines which can be obtained from the Patent Examiner’s Toolkit link or from WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/pct/en/texts/gdlines.html.))","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175692","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_m77di2me","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_m77di2me","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"B. “Markush Practice”","rendered_text_plain":"B. “Markush Practice”","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.8","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"B. “Markush Practice”"},{"id":"pb_k7rft7pb","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_k7rft7pb","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The situation involving the so-called Markush practice wherein\n \t\t\t\t\ta single claim defines alternatives (chemical or non-chemical) is also governed\n \t\t\t\t\tby PCT Rule\n \t\t\t\t\t\t13.2. In this special situation, the requirement of a\n \t\t\t\t\ttechnical interrelationship and the same or corresponding special technical\n \t\t\t\t\tfeatures as defined in PCT Rule 13.2, shall be\n \t\t\t\t\tconsidered to be met when the alternatives are of a similar nature. \n
","rendered_text_plain":"The situation involving the so-called Markush practice wherein a single claim defines alternatives (chemical or non-chemical) is also governed by PCT Rule 13.2. In this special situation, the requirement of a technical interrelationship and the same or corresponding special technical features as defined in PCT Rule 13.2, shall be considered to be met when the alternatives are of a similar nature.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175699","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_fxzqctma","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_fxzqctma","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"When the Markush grouping is for alternatives of chemical\n \t\t\t\t\tcompounds, they shall be regarded as being of a similar nature where the\n \t\t\t\t\tfollowing criteria are fulfilled:\n
","rendered_text_plain":"When the Markush grouping is for alternatives of chemical compounds, they shall be regarded as being of a similar nature where the following criteria are fulfilled:","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175708","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"li_lz5kdqnp","node_type":"list_item","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/li_lz5kdqnp","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"In paragraph (B)(1), above, the words “significant structural\n \t\t\t\t\telement is shared by all of the alternatives” refer to cases where the compounds\n \t\t\t\t\tshare a common chemical structure which occupies a large portion of their\n \t\t\t\t\tstructures, or in case the compounds have in common only a small portion of\n \t\t\t\t\ttheir structures, the commonly shared structure constitutes a structurally\n \t\t\t\t\tdistinctive portion in view of existing prior art, and the common structure is\n \t\t\t\t\tessential to the common property or activity. The structural element may be a\n \t\t\t\t\tsingle component or a combination of individual components linked together.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"In paragraph (B)(1), above, the words “significant structural element is shared by all of the alternatives” refer to cases where the compounds share a common chemical structure which occupies a large portion of their structures, or in case the compounds have in common only a small portion of their structures, the commonly shared structure constitutes a structurally distinctive portion in view of existing prior art, and the common structure is essential to the common property or activity. The structural element may be a single component or a combination of individual components linked together.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175726","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_lmztwpnv","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_lmztwpnv","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"In paragraph (B)(2), above, the words “recognized class of\n \t\t\t\t\tchemical compounds” mean that there is an expectation from the knowledge in the\n \t\t\t\t\tart that members of the class will behave in the same way in the context of the\n \t\t\t\t\tclaimed invention. In other words, each member could be substituted one for the\n \t\t\t\t\tother, with the expectation that the same intended result would be achieved.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"In paragraph (B)(2), above, the words “recognized class of chemical compounds” mean that there is an expectation from the knowledge in the art that members of the class will behave in the same way in the context of the claimed invention. In other words, each member could be substituted one for the other, with the expectation that the same intended result would be achieved.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175729","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_xeqvaj2a","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_xeqvaj2a","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The fact that the alternatives of a Markush grouping can be\n \t\t\t\t\tdifferently classified should not, taken alone, be considered to be\n \t\t\t\t\tjustification for a finding of a lack of unity of invention.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"The fact that the alternatives of a Markush grouping can be differently classified should not, taken alone, be considered to be justification for a finding of a lack of unity of invention.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175732","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_zbahfx5x","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_zbahfx5x","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"When dealing with alternatives, if it can be shown that at least\n \t\t\t\t\tone Markush alternative is not novel over the prior art, the question of unity\n \t\t\t\t\tof invention should be reconsidered by the examiner. Reconsideration does not\n \t\t\t\t\tnecessarily imply that an objection of lack of unity shall be raised. (See\n \t\t\t\t\tExamples in Chapter 10 of the International Search and Preliminary Examination\n \t\t\t\t\tGuidelines which can be obtained from the Patent Examiner’s Toolkit link or from\n \t\t\t\t\tWIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/pct/\n \t\t\t\t\t\ten/texts/gdlines.html.))\n
","rendered_text_plain":"When dealing with alternatives, if it can be shown that at least one Markush alternative is not novel over the prior art, the question of unity of invention should be reconsidered by the examiner. Reconsideration does not necessarily imply that an objection of lack of unity shall be raised. (See Examples in Chapter 10 of the International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines which can be obtained from the Patent Examiner’s Toolkit link or from WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/pct/ en/texts/gdlines.html.))","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175735","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_2nhmczjm","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_2nhmczjm","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"C. Intermediate and Final Products","rendered_text_plain":"C. Intermediate and Final Products","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.10","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"C. Intermediate and Final Products"},{"id":"pb_wtdw7j7t","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_wtdw7j7t","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The situation involving intermediate and final products is also\n \t\t\t\t\tgoverned by PCT Rule 13.2. \n
","rendered_text_plain":"The situation involving intermediate and final products is also governed by PCT Rule 13.2.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175742","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_6bgorhos","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_6bgorhos","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The term “intermediate” is intended to mean intermediate or\n \t\t\t\t\tstarting products. Such products have the ability to be used to produce final\n \t\t\t\t\tproducts through a physical or chemical change in which the intermediate loses\n \t\t\t\t\tits identity.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"The term “intermediate” is intended to mean intermediate or starting products. Such products have the ability to be used to produce final products through a physical or chemical change in which the intermediate loses its identity.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175748","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_bsdbcebh","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_bsdbcebh","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Unity of invention shall be considered to be present in the\n \t\t\t\t\tcontext of intermediate and final products where the following two conditions\n \t\t\t\t\tare fulfilled:\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Unity of invention shall be considered to be present in the context of intermediate and final products where the following two conditions are fulfilled:","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175751","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"li_r2bxtxev","node_type":"list_item","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/li_r2bxtxev","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"(A) The intermediate and final products have the same\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tessential structural element, in that:","rendered_text_plain":"(A) The intermediate and final products have the same essential structural element, in that:","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175755","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"enumerator_label":"(A)","enumerator_ordinal":0,"parent_list_id":"ls_ulrfalby","child_ids":["ls_62pzzpqi"]},{"id":"li_a74xwr53","node_type":"list_item","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/li_a74xwr53","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Unity of invention may also be considered to be present between\n \t\t\t\t\tintermediate and final products of which the structures are not known, for\n \t\t\t\t\texample, as between an intermediate having a known structure and a final product\n \t\t\t\t\tthe structure of which is not known, or as between an intermediate of unknown\n \t\t\t\t\tstructure and a final product of unknown structure. In order to satisfy unity in\n \t\t\t\t\tsuch cases, there must be sufficient evidence to lead one to conclude that the\n \t\t\t\t\tintermediate and final products are technically closely interrelated as, for\n \t\t\t\t\texample, when the intermediate contains the same essential element as the final\n \t\t\t\t\tproduct or incorporates an essential element into the final product.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Unity of invention may also be considered to be present between intermediate and final products of which the structures are not known, for example, as between an intermediate having a known structure and a final product the structure of which is not known, or as between an intermediate of unknown structure and a final product of unknown structure. In order to satisfy unity in such cases, there must be sufficient evidence to lead one to conclude that the intermediate and final products are technically closely interrelated as, for example, when the intermediate contains the same essential element as the final product or incorporates an essential element into the final product.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175771","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_o4gnf6no","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_o4gnf6no","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"It is possible to accept in a single international application\n \t\t\t\t\tdifferent intermediate products used in different processes for the preparation\n \t\t\t\t\tof the final product, provided that they have the same essential structural\n \t\t\t\t\telement.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"It is possible to accept in a single international application different intermediate products used in different processes for the preparation of the final product, provided that they have the same essential structural element.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175774","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_lb7kdkdr","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_lb7kdkdr","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The intermediate and final products shall not be separated, in\n \t\t\t\t\tthe process leading from one to the other, by an intermediate which is not\n \t\t\t\t\tnew.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"The intermediate and final products shall not be separated, in the process leading from one to the other, by an intermediate which is not new.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175777","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_cqmozfmk","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_cqmozfmk","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"If the same international application claims different\n \t\t\t\t\tintermediates for different structural parts of the final product, unity shall\n \t\t\t\t\tnot be regarded as being present between the intermediates.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"If the same international application claims different intermediates for different structural parts of the final product, unity shall not be regarded as being present between the intermediates.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175780","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_y6trps6d","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_y6trps6d","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"If the intermediate and final products are families of\n \t\t\t\t\tcompounds, each intermediate compound shall correspond to a compound claimed in\n \t\t\t\t\tthe family of the final products. However, some of the final products may have\n \t\t\t\t\tno corresponding compound in the family of the intermediate products so that the\n \t\t\t\t\ttwo families need not be absolutely congruent.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"If the intermediate and final products are families of compounds, each intermediate compound shall correspond to a compound claimed in the family of the final products. However, some of the final products may have no corresponding compound in the family of the intermediate products so that the two families need not be absolutely congruent.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175783","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_ypo5pf4f","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_ypo5pf4f","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"As long as unity of invention can be recognized applying the\n \t\t\t\t\tabove interpretations, the fact that, besides the ability to be used to produce\n \t\t\t\t\tfinal products, the intermediates also exhibit other possible effects or\n \t\t\t\t\tactivities shall not affect the decision on unity of invention. (See Examples in\n \t\t\t\t\tChapter 10 of the International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines\n \t\t\t\t\twhich can be obtained from the Patent Examiner’s Toolkit link or from WIPO’s\n \t\t\t\t\twebsite (www.wipo.int/pct/en/ texts/gdlines.html.))\n
","rendered_text_plain":"As long as unity of invention can be recognized applying the above interpretations, the fact that, besides the ability to be used to produce final products, the intermediates also exhibit other possible effects or activities shall not affect the decision on unity of invention. (See Examples in Chapter 10 of the International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines which can be obtained from the Patent Examiner’s Toolkit link or from WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/pct/en/ texts/gdlines.html.))","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175786","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_xfjtfyaa","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_xfjtfyaa","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"IV. SEARCH OF ADDITIONAL INVENTIONS WITHOUT PAYMENT OF FEES","rendered_text_plain":"IV. SEARCH OF ADDITIONAL INVENTIONS WITHOUT PAYMENT OF FEES","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.12","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"IV. SEARCH OF ADDITIONAL INVENTIONS WITHOUT PAYMENT OF FEES"},{"id":"pb_4mdo65yw","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_4mdo65yw","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"If little or no additional search effort is required, reasons of\n \t\t\t\teconomy may make it advisable for the examiner, while making the\n \t\t\t\tsearch for the main invention, to search at the same time, despite the nonpayment of\n \t\t\t\tadditional fees, one or more additional inventions in the classification units\n \t\t\t\tconsulted for the main invention. The international search for such additional\n \t\t\t\tinventions will then have to be completed in any further classification units which\n \t\t\t\tmay be relevant, when the additional search fees have been paid. This situation may\n \t\t\t\toccur when the lack of unity of invention is found either “ a\n \t\t\t\t\tpriori ” or “ a posteriori.” \n
","rendered_text_plain":"If little or no additional search effort is required, reasons of economy may make it advisable for the examiner, while making the search for the main invention, to search at the same time, despite the nonpayment of additional fees, one or more additional inventions in the classification units consulted for the main invention. The international search for such additional inventions will then have to be completed in any further classification units which may be relevant, when the additional search fees have been paid. This situation may occur when the lack of unity of invention is found either “ a priori ” or “ a posteriori.”","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175793","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_g7mv5oya","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_g7mv5oya","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"When the examiner finds lack of unity of invention, normally, the\n \t\t\t\tapplicant is invited to pay fees for the search of additional inventions. In\n \t\t\t\texceptional circumstances, however, the examiner may be able to establish both an\n \t\t\t\tinternational search and a written opinion covering more than one invention with\n \t\t\t\tnegligible additional work, in particular, when the inventions are conceptually very\n \t\t\t\tclose. In those cases, the examiner may decide to complete the international search\n \t\t\t\tand the written opinion of the International Searching Authority for the additional\n \t\t\t\tinvention(s) together with that for the invention first mentioned. In considering\n \t\t\t\tthe amount of work involved, the examiner should take into account the time needed\n \t\t\t\tto create the written opinion as well as that needed to perform the search, since\n \t\t\t\teven when the additional work with regard to the search is negligible, the opposite\n \t\t\t\tmay be the case for the written opinion of the International Searching Authority and\n \t\t\t\ttherefore justify requesting the additional fees. If it is considered that the total\n \t\t\t\tadditional work does not justify requesting additional fees, all results are\n \t\t\t\tincluded in the international search report (and where applicable, the written\n \t\t\t\topinion) without inviting the applicant to pay an additional search fee in respect\n \t\t\t\tof the additional inventions searched but stating the finding of lack of unity of\n \t\t\t\tinvention.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"When the examiner finds lack of unity of invention, normally, the applicant is invited to pay fees for the search of additional inventions. In exceptional circumstances, however, the examiner may be able to establish both an international search and a written opinion covering more than one invention with negligible additional work, in particular, when the inventions are conceptually very close. In those cases, the examiner may decide to complete the international search and the written opinion of the International Searching Authority for the additional invention(s) together with that for the invention first mentioned. In considering the amount of work involved, the examiner should take into account the time needed to create the written opinion as well as that needed to perform the search, since even when the additional work with regard to the search is negligible, the opposite may be the case for the written opinion of the International Searching Authority and therefore justify requesting the additional fees. If it is considered that the total additional work does not justify requesting additional fees, all results are included in the international search report (and where applicable, the written opinion) without inviting the applicant to pay an additional search fee in respect of the additional inventions searched but stating the finding of lack of unity of invention.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175805","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_buumqzy5","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_buumqzy5","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"V. INVITATION TO PAY ADDITIONAL FEES","rendered_text_plain":"V. INVITATION TO PAY ADDITIONAL FEES","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.14","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"V. INVITATION TO PAY ADDITIONAL FEES"},{"id":"pb_murispex","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_murispex","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The search fee which the applicant is required to pay is intended\n \t\t\t\tto compensate the International Searching Authority for carrying out an\n \t\t\t\tinternational search and preparing a written opinion, but only where the\n \t\t\t\tinternational application meets the “requirement of unity of invention.” That means\n \t\t\t\tthat the international application must relate to only one invention or must relate\n \t\t\t\tto a group of inventions which are so linked as to form a single general inventive\n \t\t\t\tconcept (PCT\n \t\t\t\t\tArticles 3(4)(iii) and 17(3)(a)). \n
","rendered_text_plain":"The search fee which the applicant is required to pay is intended to compensate the International Searching Authority for carrying out an international search and preparing a written opinion, but only where the international application meets the “requirement of unity of invention.” That means that the international application must relate to only one invention or must relate to a group of inventions which are so linked as to form a single general inventive concept (PCT Articles 3(4)(iii) and 17(3)(a)).","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175812","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_axuouj6s","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_axuouj6s","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"If the International Searching Authority finds that the\n \t\t\t\tinternational application does not comply with the requirement of unity of\n \t\t\t\tinvention, the applicant will be informed of the lack of unity of invention by a\n \t\t\t\tcommunication preceding the issuance of the international search report and written\n \t\t\t\topinion of the International Searching Authority which contains an invitation to pay\n \t\t\t\tadditional search fees. (Form PCT/ISA/206 or USPTO/299 (telephone practice), see\n \t\t\t\tbelow). This invitation specifies the reasons the international application is not\n \t\t\t\tconsidered to comply with the requirement of unity of invention, identifies the\n \t\t\t\tseparate inventions, and indicates the number of additional search fees and the\n \t\t\t\tamount to be paid (PCT Rules 40.1, 40.2(a) and (b)). The\n \t\t\t\tInternational Searching Authority cannot consider the application withdrawn for lack\n \t\t\t\tof unity of invention, nor invite the applicant to amend the claims, but informs the\n \t\t\t\tapplicant that, if the international search report is to be drawn up in respect of\n \t\t\t\tthose inventions present other than the first mentioned, then the additional fees\n \t\t\t\tmust be paid within one month from the date of the invitation to pay additional fees\n \t\t\t\t\t(PCT Rule\n \t\t\t\t\t40.1). Such additional fees are payable directly to the\n \t\t\t\tInternational Searching Authority which is conducting the search, i.e., the USPTO,\n \t\t\t\tEPO, KIPO, IPAU, ILPO, JPO, or IPOS. The additional search fee amounts for the\n \t\t\t\tcompetent international searching authorities can be found in Annex D of the\n \t\t\t\tApplicant’s Guide (www.wipo.int/pct/en/appguide). \n
","rendered_text_plain":"If the International Searching Authority finds that the international application does not comply with the requirement of unity of invention, the applicant will be informed of the lack of unity of invention by a communication preceding the issuance of the international search report and written opinion of the International Searching Authority which contains an invitation to pay additional search fees. (Form PCT/ISA/206 or USPTO/299 (telephone practice), see below). This invitation specifies the reasons the international application is not considered to comply with the requirement of unity of invention, identifies the separate inventions, and indicates the number of additional search fees and the amount to be paid (PCT Rules 40.1, 40.2(a) and (b)). The International Searching Authority cannot consider the application withdrawn for lack of unity of invention, nor invite the applicant to amend the claims, but informs the applicant that, if the international search report is to be drawn up in respect of those inventions present other than the first mentioned, then the additional fees must be paid within one month from the date of the invitation to pay additional fees (PCT Rule 40.1). Such additional fees are payable directly to the International Searching Authority which is conducting the search, i.e., the USPTO, EPO, KIPO, IPAU, ILPO, JPO, or IPOS. The additional search fee amounts for the competent international searching authorities can be found in Annex D of the Applicant’s Guide (www.wipo.int/pct/en/appguide).","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175821","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_bpa3tcrs","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_bpa3tcrs","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"In the invitation to pay additional fees, the International\n \t\t\t\tSearching Authority should set out a logically presented, technical reasoning\n \t\t\t\tcontaining the basic considerations behind the finding of lack of unity\n \t\t\t\t\t(PCT Rule\n \t\t\t\t\t40.1). \n
","rendered_text_plain":"In the invitation to pay additional fees, the International Searching Authority should set out a logically presented, technical reasoning containing the basic considerations behind the finding of lack of unity (PCT Rule 40.1).","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175836","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_4cgx3xjd","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_4cgx3xjd","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Since these payments must take place within the time limit set by\n \t\t\t\tthe International Searching Authority so as to enable the observation of the time\n \t\t\t\tlimit for establishing the international search report set by PCT Rule 42,\n \t\t\t\tthe International Searching Authority should endeavor to ensure that international\n \t\t\t\tsearches be made as early as possible after the receipt of the search copy. The\n \t\t\t\tInternational Searching Authority finally draws up the international search report\n \t\t\t\tand written opinion of the International Searching Authority on those parts of the\n \t\t\t\tinternational application which relate to the “main invention,” that is, the\n \t\t\t\tinvention or the group of inventions so linked as to form a single general inventive\n \t\t\t\tconcept first mentioned in the claims (PCT Article 17(3)(a)).\n \t\t\t\tMoreover, the international search report and written opinion of the International\n \t\t\t\tSearching Authority will be established also on those parts of the international\n \t\t\t\tapplication which relate to any invention (or any group of inventions so linked as\n \t\t\t\tto form a single general inventive concept) in respect of which the applicant has\n \t\t\t\tpaid any additional fee within the prescribed time limits. \n
","rendered_text_plain":"Since these payments must take place within the time limit set by the International Searching Authority so as to enable the observation of the time limit for establishing the international search report set by PCT Rule 42, the International Searching Authority should endeavor to ensure that international searches be made as early as possible after the receipt of the search copy. The International Searching Authority finally draws up the international search report and written opinion of the International Searching Authority on those parts of the international application which relate to the “main invention,” that is, the invention or the group of inventions so linked as to form a single general inventive concept first mentioned in the claims (PCT Article 17(3)(a)). Moreover, the international search report and written opinion of the International Searching Authority will be established also on those parts of the international application which relate to any invention (or any group of inventions so linked as to form a single general inventive concept) in respect of which the applicant has paid any additional fee within the prescribed time limits.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175842","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_ekxly7jk","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_ekxly7jk","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Where, within the prescribed time limit, the applicant does not pay\n \t\t\t\tany additional fees or only pays some of the additional fees indicated, certain\n \t\t\t\tparts of the international application will consequently not be searched. The lack\n \t\t\t\tof an international search report in respect of such parts of the international\n \t\t\t\tapplication will, in itself, have no influence on the validity of the international\n \t\t\t\tapplication and processing of the international application will continue, both in\n \t\t\t\tthe international and in the national (regional) phases. The unsearched claims, upon\n \t\t\t\tentry into the national stage, will be considered by the examiner and may be the\n \t\t\t\tsubject of a holding of lack of unity of invention.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Where, within the prescribed time limit, the applicant does not pay any additional fees or only pays some of the additional fees indicated, certain parts of the international application will consequently not be searched. The lack of an international search report in respect of such parts of the international application will, in itself, have no influence on the validity of the international application and processing of the international application will continue, both in the international and in the national (regional) phases. The unsearched claims, upon entry into the national stage, will be considered by the examiner and may be the subject of a holding of lack of unity of invention.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175851","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_rezdeljy","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_rezdeljy","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"VI. PREPARATION OF THE INVITATION TO PAY ADDITIONAL FEES","rendered_text_plain":"VI. PREPARATION OF THE INVITATION TO PAY ADDITIONAL FEES","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.16","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"VI. PREPARATION OF THE INVITATION TO PAY ADDITIONAL FEES"},{"id":"pb_hscpmybb","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_hscpmybb","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"An Invitation to Pay Additional Fees and, Where Applicable, Protest\n \t\t\t\tFee (Form PCT/ISA/206) is used to invite the applicant to pay additional search\n \t\t\t\tfees. In the space provided on form PCT/ISA/206, the examiner should indicate the\n \t\t\t\tnumber of inventions claimed in the international application covering which\n \t\t\t\tparticular claims and explain why the international application is not considered to\n \t\t\t\tcomply with the requirements of unity of invention. The examiner should then\n \t\t\t\tindicate the total amount of additional fees required for the search of all claimed\n \t\t\t\tinventions.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"An Invitation to Pay Additional Fees and, Where Applicable, Protest Fee (Form PCT/ISA/206) is used to invite the applicant to pay additional search fees. In the space provided on form PCT/ISA/206, the examiner should indicate the number of inventions claimed in the international application covering which particular claims and explain why the international application is not considered to comply with the requirements of unity of invention. The examiner should then indicate the total amount of additional fees required for the search of all claimed inventions.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175858","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_z5vp2tyr","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_z5vp2tyr","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Any claims found to be unsearchable under PCT Article\n \t\t\t\t\t17(2)(b) are not included with any invention. Unsearchable\n \t\t\t\tclaims include the following: \n
","rendered_text_plain":"Any claims found to be unsearchable under PCT Article 17(2)(b) are not included with any invention. Unsearchable claims include the following:","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175861","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"li_7humlpv7","node_type":"list_item","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/li_7humlpv7","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"In the box provided at the top of the form, the time limit of one\n \t\t\t\tmonth for response is set according to PCT Rule 40.1. Extensions of\n \t\t\t\ttime are not permitted. \n
","rendered_text_plain":"In the box provided at the top of the form, the time limit of one month for response is set according to PCT Rule 40.1. Extensions of time are not permitted.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175892","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_kqli3qo4","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_kqli3qo4","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"VII. AUTHORIZED OFFICER","rendered_text_plain":"VII. AUTHORIZED OFFICER","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.18","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"VII. AUTHORIZED OFFICER"},{"id":"pb_thb5neqn","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_thb5neqn","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Form PCT/ISA/206 must be signed by an examiner with at least partial\n \t\t\t\tsignatory authority.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Form PCT/ISA/206 must be signed by an examiner with at least partial signatory authority.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175902","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_orgsmifi","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_orgsmifi","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"VIII. TELEPHONIC UNITY PRACTICE","rendered_text_plain":"VIII. TELEPHONIC UNITY PRACTICE","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.20","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"VIII. TELEPHONIC UNITY PRACTICE"},{"id":"pb_3szdkmes","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_3szdkmes","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Telephone practice may be used to allow applicants to pay additional\n \t\t\t\tfees if\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Telephone practice may be used to allow applicants to pay additional fees if","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175909","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"li_oo52pspw","node_type":"list_item","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/li_oo52pspw","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"When the telephone practice is used in making lack of unity\n \t\t\t\trequirements, it is critical that the examiner orally inform applicant that there is\n \t\t\t\tno right to protest the holding of lack of unity of invention for any group of\n \t\t\t\tinvention(s) for which no additional search fee has been paid.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"When the telephone practice is used in making lack of unity requirements, it is critical that the examiner orally inform applicant that there is no right to protest the holding of lack of unity of invention for any group of invention(s) for which no additional search fee has been paid.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175945","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_msmtxwaw","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_msmtxwaw","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The examiner must further orally advise applicant that any protest\n \t\t\t\tto the holding of lack of unity or the amount of additional fee required must be\n \t\t\t\tfiled in writing no later than one month from the mailing date of the international\n \t\t\t\tsearch report. The examiner should fill in the information on Form USPTO/299\n \t\t\t\t“Chapter I PCT Telephone Memorandum for Lack of Unity” as a record of the telephonic\n \t\t\t\tholding of lack of unity.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"The examiner must further orally advise applicant that any protest to the holding of lack of unity or the amount of additional fee required must be filed in writing no later than one month from the mailing date of the international search report. The examiner should fill in the information on Form USPTO/299 “Chapter I PCT Telephone Memorandum for Lack of Unity” as a record of the telephonic holding of lack of unity.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175948","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_bkn2rgct","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_bkn2rgct","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"If the applicant or the legal representative or agent refuses to\n \t\t\t\teither agree to a search limited to the first mentioned invention or authorize\n \t\t\t\tpayment of additional fees over the telephone, or if applicant does not have a\n \t\t\t\tdeposit account, the examiner should send a written invitation using Form\n \t\t\t\tPCT/ISA/206.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"If the applicant or the legal representative or agent refuses to either agree to a search limited to the first mentioned invention or authorize payment of additional fees over the telephone, or if applicant does not have a deposit account, the examiner should send a written invitation using Form PCT/ISA/206.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175951","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_4rv5wrbj","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_4rv5wrbj","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"If a written invitation is required, the examiner should, if\n \t\t\t\tpossible, submit the written invitation to the Technology Center for review and\n \t\t\t\tmailing within 7 days from the date the international application is charged to the\n \t\t\t\texaminer.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"If a written invitation is required, the examiner should, if possible, submit the written invitation to the Technology Center for review and mailing within 7 days from the date the international application is charged to the examiner.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175954","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_ueakryjz","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_ueakryjz","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"IX. FORM PARAGRAPHS FOR LACK OF UNITY IN INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS","rendered_text_plain":"IX. FORM PARAGRAPHS FOR LACK OF UNITY IN INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.22","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"IX. FORM PARAGRAPHS FOR LACK OF UNITY IN INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS"},{"id":"fp_doku7vie","node_type":"form_paragraph","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/fp_doku7vie","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"","rendered_text_plain":"","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"fp18.05","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"akn_urn":"/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_05","canonical_url":"https://mpep.io/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_05","form_paragraph_number":"18.05","title":"Heading for Lack of Unity Action for PCT Applications During the International Phase (Including Species)","body_html":"REQUIREMENT FOR UNITY OF INVENTION\nAs provided in \n 37 CFR 1.475(a), an international application shall relate to one invention only or to a group of inventions so linked as to form a single\n general inventive concept (“requirement of unity of invention”). Where a group of inventions is claimed in an international\n application, the requirement of unity of invention shall be fulfilled only when there is a technical relationship among those\n inventions involving one or more of the same or corresponding special technical features. The expression “special technical\n features” shall mean those technical features that define a contribution which each of the claimed inventions, considered\n as a whole, makes over the prior art.\n
\nThe determination whether a group of inventions is so linked as to form a single general inventive concept shall be made without\n regard to whether the inventions are claimed in separate claims or as alternatives within a single claim. See 37 CFR 1.475(e).\n
When Claims Are Directed to Multiple Processes, Products, and/or Apparatuses:\nProducts, processes of manufacture, processes of use, and apparatuses are different categories of invention. When an application\n includes claims to more than one product, process, or apparatus, the first invention of the category first mentioned in the\n claims of the application and the first recited invention of each of the other categories related thereto will be considered\n as the “main invention” in the claims. In the case of non-compliance with unity of invention and where no additional fees\n are timely paid, the international search and/or international preliminary examination, as appropriate, will be based on the\n main invention in the claims. See PCT Article 17(3)(a), 37 CFR 1.475(d), 37 CFR 1.476(c)\n and 37 CFR 1.488(b)(3).\n
\nAs provided in 37 CFR 1.475(b), an international application containing claims to different categories of invention will be considered to have unity of\n invention if the claims are drawn only to one of the following combinations of categories:\n
\nOtherwise, unity of invention might not be present. See \n 37 CFR 1.475(c).\n
\nThis application contains the following inventions or\n groups of inventions which are not so linked as to form a single general inventive concept\n under \n PCT Rule 13.1.\n
","placeholders":[],"appears_in_section_ids":["se_3vgoxx66"]},{"id":"fp_nzjkdfs4","node_type":"form_paragraph","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/fp_nzjkdfs4","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"","rendered_text_plain":"","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"fp18.06","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"akn_urn":"/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_06","canonical_url":"https://mpep.io/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_06","form_paragraph_number":"18.06","title":"Lack of Unity - Three Groups of Claims","body_html":"Group [1], claim(s) [2], drawn to [3].\n
\nGroup [4], claim(s) [5], drawn to [6].\n
\nGroup [7], claim(s) [8], drawn to [9].\n
","placeholders":[{"index":1,"position_in_text":6,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":2,"position_in_text":20,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":3,"position_in_text":34,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":4,"position_in_text":45,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":5,"position_in_text":59,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":6,"position_in_text":73,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":7,"position_in_text":84,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":8,"position_in_text":98,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":9,"position_in_text":112,"inferred_slot_type":"other"}],"appears_in_section_ids":["se_3vgoxx66"]},{"id":"fp_43wcnyxl","node_type":"form_paragraph","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/fp_43wcnyxl","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"","rendered_text_plain":"","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"fp18.06.01","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"akn_urn":"/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_06_01","canonical_url":"https://mpep.io/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_06_01","form_paragraph_number":"18.06.01","title":"Lack of Unity - Two (or Additional) Groups of Claims","body_html":"Group [1], claim(s) [2], drawn to [3].\n
\nGroup [4], claim(s) [5], drawn to [6].\n
","placeholders":[{"index":1,"position_in_text":6,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":2,"position_in_text":20,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":3,"position_in_text":34,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":4,"position_in_text":45,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":5,"position_in_text":59,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":6,"position_in_text":73,"inferred_slot_type":"other"}],"appears_in_section_ids":["se_3vgoxx66"]},{"id":"fp_cxaanrje","node_type":"form_paragraph","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/fp_cxaanrje","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"","rendered_text_plain":"","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"fp18.06.02","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"akn_urn":"/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_06_02","canonical_url":"https://mpep.io/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_06_02","form_paragraph_number":"18.06.02","title":"Lack of Unity - One Additional Group of Claims","body_html":"Group [1], claim(s) [2], drawn to [3].\n
","placeholders":[{"index":1,"position_in_text":6,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":2,"position_in_text":20,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":3,"position_in_text":34,"inferred_slot_type":"other"}],"appears_in_section_ids":["se_3vgoxx66"]},{"id":"fp_rhz77rdv","node_type":"form_paragraph","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/fp_rhz77rdv","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"","rendered_text_plain":"","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"fp18.07","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"akn_urn":"/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_07","canonical_url":"https://mpep.io/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_07","form_paragraph_number":"18.07","title":"Lack of Unity - Reasons Why Inventions Lack Unity","body_html":"The groups of inventions listed above do not relate to a\n single general inventive concept under PCT Rule 13.1 because, under\n PCT Rule\n 13.2, they lack the same or corresponding special technical features for\n the following reasons: \n
","placeholders":[],"appears_in_section_ids":["se_3vgoxx66"]},{"id":"fp_aj6q6bon","node_type":"form_paragraph","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/fp_aj6q6bon","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"","rendered_text_plain":"","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"fp18.07.01","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"akn_urn":"/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_07_01","canonical_url":"https://mpep.io/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_07_01","form_paragraph_number":"18.07.01","title":"Same or Corresponding Technical Feature Lacking Among Groups","body_html":"[1] lack unity of invention because the groups do not share the same or corresponding technical feature.\n
","placeholders":[{"index":1,"position_in_text":0,"inferred_slot_type":"other"}],"appears_in_section_ids":["se_3vgoxx66"]},{"id":"fp_nw7yqjh3","node_type":"form_paragraph","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/fp_nw7yqjh3","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"","rendered_text_plain":"","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"fp18.07.02","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"akn_urn":"/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_07_02","canonical_url":"https://mpep.io/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_07_02","form_paragraph_number":"18.07.02","title":"Shared Technical Feature Does Not Make a Contribution Over the Prior Art","body_html":"[1] lack unity of invention because even though the inventions of these groups require the technical feature of [2], this technical feature is not a special technical feature as it does not make a contribution over the prior art in view\n of [3]. [4]
","placeholders":[{"index":1,"position_in_text":0,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":2,"position_in_text":112,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":3,"position_in_text":240,"inferred_slot_type":"other"},{"index":4,"position_in_text":245,"inferred_slot_type":"other"}],"appears_in_section_ids":["se_3vgoxx66"]},{"id":"fp_a5fivr2a","node_type":"form_paragraph","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/fp_a5fivr2a","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"","rendered_text_plain":"","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"fp18.07.03","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"akn_urn":"/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_07_03","canonical_url":"https://mpep.io/akn/us/statement/manual/uspto/2024/mpep/eng@2024-02-29!fp_18_07_03","form_paragraph_number":"18.07.03","title":"Heading – Chemical Compound Alternatives of Markush Group Are Not of a Similar Nature","body_html":"Where a single claim defines alternatives of a Markush group, the requirement of a technical interrelationship and the same\n or corresponding special technical features as defined in Rule 13.2, is considered met when the alternatives are of a similar\n nature. When the Markush grouping is for alternatives of chemical compounds, the alternatives are regarded as being of a\n similar nature where the following criteria are fulfilled:\n
\nThe phrase “significant structural element is shared by all of the alternatives” refers to cases where the compounds share\n a common chemical structure which occupies a large portion of their structures, or in case the compounds have in common only\n a small portion of their structures, the commonly shared structure constitutes a structurally distinctive portion in view\n of existing prior art, and the common structure is essential to the common property or activity.\n
\nThe phrase “recognized class of chemical compounds” means that there is an expectation from the knowledge in the art that\n members of the class will behave in the same way in the context of the claimed invention, i.e. each member could be substituted\n one for the other, with the expectation that the same intended result would be achieved.\n
","placeholders":[],"appears_in_section_ids":["se_3vgoxx66"]},{"id":"pb_m3nyi6r2","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_m3nyi6r2","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The chemical compounds of [1] are not regarded as being of similar nature because all of the alternatives do not share a common property or activity. [2]
","rendered_text_plain":"The chemical compounds of [1] are not regarded as being of similar nature because all of the alternatives do not share a common property or activity. [2]","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"fp-pt-d782e9","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_wpmbp72i","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_wpmbp72i","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Although the chemical compounds of [1] share a common structure of [2], the common structure is not a significant structural element because it represents only a small portion of the compound\n structures and does not constitute a structurally distinctive portion in view of [3]. Further, the compounds of these groups do not belong to a recognized class of chemical compounds. [4]
","rendered_text_plain":"Although the chemical compounds of [1] share a common structure of [2], the common structure is not a significant structural element because it represents only a small portion of the compound structures and does not constitute a structurally distinctive portion in view of [3]. Further, the compounds of these groups do not belong to a recognized class of chemical compounds. [4]","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"fp-pt-d783e9","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_tw6zecjs","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_tw6zecjs","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The chemical compounds of [1] are not regarded as being of similar nature because: (1) all the alternatives do not share a common structure and (2) the\n alternatives do not all belong to a recognized class of chemical compounds. [2]
","rendered_text_plain":"The chemical compounds of [1] are not regarded as being of similar nature because: (1) all the alternatives do not share a common structure and (2) the alternatives do not all belong to a recognized class of chemical compounds. [2]","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"fp-pt-d784e9","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_nv522eh6","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_nv522eh6","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"X. PROTEST PROCEDURE","rendered_text_plain":"X. PROTEST PROCEDURE","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.24","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"X. PROTEST PROCEDURE"},{"id":"pb_qh4wsqqn","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_qh4wsqqn","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The International Searching Authority shall transmit to the\n \t\t\t\t\tapplicant, preferably at the latest together with the international search\n \t\t\t\t\treport, any decision which it has taken under Rule\n \t\t\t\t\t\t40.2(c) on the protest of the applicant against payment\n \t\t\t\t\tof additional fees where the international application is considered to lack\n \t\t\t\t\tunity of invention. At the same time, it shall transmit to the International\n \t\t\t\t\tBureau a copy of both the protest and the decision thereon, as well as any\n \t\t\t\t\trequest by the applicant to forward the texts of both the protest and the\n \t\t\t\t\tdecision thereon to the designated Offices. \n
","rendered_text_plain":"The International Searching Authority shall transmit to the applicant, preferably at the latest together with the international search report, any decision which it has taken under Rule 40.2(c) on the protest of the applicant against payment of additional fees where the international application is considered to lack unity of invention. At the same time, it shall transmit to the International Bureau a copy of both the protest and the decision thereon, as well as any request by the applicant to forward the texts of both the protest and the decision thereon to the designated Offices.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e176697","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"li_eiumiwhu","node_type":"list_item","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/li_eiumiwhu","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"The applicant may protest the allegation of lack of unity of\n \t\t\t\tinvention or that the number of required additional fees is excessive and request a\n \t\t\t\trefund of the additional fee(s) paid. If, and to the extent that, the International\n \t\t\t\tSearching Authority finds the protest justified, the fee(s) are refunded\n \t\t\t\t\t(PCT Rule\n \t\t\t\t\t40.2(c)). (The additional search fees must be paid for any\n \t\t\t\tprotest to be considered, but no protest fee under PCT Rule\n \t\t\t\t\t40.2(e) is due in the ISA/US.) \n
","rendered_text_plain":"The applicant may protest the allegation of lack of unity of invention or that the number of required additional fees is excessive and request a refund of the additional fee(s) paid. If, and to the extent that, the International Searching Authority finds the protest justified, the fee(s) are refunded (PCT Rule 40.2(c)). (The additional search fees must be paid for any protest to be considered, but no protest fee under PCT Rule 40.2(e) is due in the ISA/US.)","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e176730","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_wdtqg7wd","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_wdtqg7wd","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Protest of allegation of lack of unity is in the form of a reasoned\n \t\t\t\tstatement accompanying payment of the additional fee, explaining why the applicant\n \t\t\t\tbelieves that the requirements of unity of invention are fulfilled and fully taking\n \t\t\t\tinto account the reasons indicated in the invitation to pay additional fees issued\n \t\t\t\tby the International Searching Authority. Any such protest filed with the U.S.\n \t\t\t\tInternational Searching Authority will be decided by a Technology Center Director\n \t\t\t\t\t(MPEP §\n \t\t\t\t\t1002.02(c) item (2)). To the extent applicant’s protest\n \t\t\t\tis found to be justified, total or partial reimbursement of the additional fee will\n \t\t\t\tbe made. On the request of the applicant, the text of both the protest and the\n \t\t\t\tdecision thereon is sent to the designated Offices together with the international\n \t\t\t\tsearch report (37\n \t\t\t\t\tCFR 1.477(c)). \n
","rendered_text_plain":"Protest of allegation of lack of unity is in the form of a reasoned statement accompanying payment of the additional fee, explaining why the applicant believes that the requirements of unity of invention are fulfilled and fully taking into account the reasons indicated in the invitation to pay additional fees issued by the International Searching Authority. Any such protest filed with the U.S. International Searching Authority will be decided by a Technology Center Director (MPEP § 1002.02(c) item (2)). To the extent applicant’s protest is found to be justified, total or partial reimbursement of the additional fee will be made. On the request of the applicant, the text of both the protest and the decision thereon is sent to the designated Offices together with the international search report (37 CFR 1.477(c)).","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e176736","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_v6erlztd","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_v6erlztd","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"XI. NOTIFICATION OF DECISION ON PROTEST","rendered_text_plain":"XI. NOTIFICATION OF DECISION ON PROTEST","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.26","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"XI. NOTIFICATION OF DECISION ON PROTEST"},{"id":"pb_civmzu6m","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_civmzu6m","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"A Notification of Decision of Protest or Declaration That Protest\n \t\t\t\tConsidered Not to Have Been Made (Form PCT/ISA/212) is used by the Technology Center\n \t\t\t\t(TC) to inform the applicant of the decision regarding applicant’s protest on the\n \t\t\t\tpayment of additional fees concerning unity of invention. The TC checks the\n \t\t\t\tappropriate box, i.e., 1 or 2. If box 2 is checked, a clear and concise explanation\n \t\t\t\tas to why the protest concerning the unity of invention was found to be unjustified\n \t\t\t\tmust be given. Since the space is limited, supplemental attachment sheet(s) should\n \t\t\t\tbe incorporated whenever necessary.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"A Notification of Decision of Protest or Declaration That Protest Considered Not to Have Been Made (Form PCT/ISA/212) is used by the Technology Center (TC) to inform the applicant of the decision regarding applicant’s protest on the payment of additional fees concerning unity of invention. The TC checks the appropriate box, i.e., 1 or 2. If box 2 is checked, a clear and concise explanation as to why the protest concerning the unity of invention was found to be unjustified must be given. Since the space is limited, supplemental attachment sheet(s) should be incorporated whenever necessary.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e176749","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_rdlys75x","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_rdlys75x","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"XII. AUTHORIZED OFFICER","rendered_text_plain":"XII. AUTHORIZED OFFICER","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.28","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"XII. AUTHORIZED OFFICER"},{"id":"pb_bpr3kkfn","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_bpr3kkfn","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Form PCT/ISA/212 must be signed by a TC Director. See\n \t\t\t\t\tMPEP §\n \t\t\t\t\t1002.02(c), item (2). \n
","rendered_text_plain":"Form PCT/ISA/212 must be signed by a TC Director. See MPEP § 1002.02(c), item (2).","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e176756","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_emuhewrp","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_emuhewrp","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"XIII. UNITY OF INVENTION - NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES","rendered_text_plain":"XIII. UNITY OF INVENTION - NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e175250/b.30","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"informal_heading","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66","heading_level":2,"heading_text":"XIII. UNITY OF INVENTION - NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES"},{"id":"pb_7kxawywt","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_7kxawywt","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Under 37 CFR 1.475 and\n \t\t\t\t\t 1.499\n \t\t\t\t\t\tet seq., when claims do not comply\n \t\t\t\twith the requirement of unity of invention, i.e., when the claimed subject matter\n \t\t\t\tdoes not involve “one or more of the same or corresponding special technical\n \t\t\t\tfeatures,” 37 CFR\n \t\t\t\t\t1.475(a), an additional fee is required to maintain the\n \t\t\t\tclaims in the same application. 37 CFR 1.476(b). \n
","rendered_text_plain":"Under 37 CFR 1.475 and 1.499 et seq., when claims do not comply with the requirement of unity of invention, i.e., when the claimed subject matter does not involve “one or more of the same or corresponding special technical features,” 37 CFR 1.475(a), an additional fee is required to maintain the claims in the same application. 37 CFR 1.476(b).","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e176766","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_fqq73kbh","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_fqq73kbh","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Nucleotide sequences encoding the same protein are considered to\n \t\t\t\tsatisfy the unity of invention standard and will continue to be examined\n \t\t\t\ttogether.\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Nucleotide sequences encoding the same protein are considered to satisfy the unity of invention standard and will continue to be examined together.","provenance":{"source_file":"s1850.html","source_anchor":"d0e176783","source_sha256":"0e24972d1ecb7047f61eaee4d8e2184931de4b4571827cdb156356768669aa8f"},"kind":"narrative","host_section_id":"se_3vgoxx66"},{"id":"pb_g5oedofa","node_type":"prose_block","corpus_id":"mpep-e9r01-2024-html","opaque_url":"https://mpep.io/n/pb_g5oedofa","effective_range":{"start_revision":"R-01.2024","end_revision":null},"rendered_text_html":"Examples concerning Unity of Invention involving biotechnological\n \t\t\t\tinventions may be found in Chapter 10 of the International Search and Preliminary\n \t\t\t\tExamination Guidelines which can be obtained from the Patent Examiner’s Toolkit link\n \t\t\t\tor from the WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/pct/en/texts/\n \t\t\t\t\tgdlines.html).\n
","rendered_text_plain":"Examples concerning Unity of Invention involving biotechnological inventions may be found in Chapter 10 of the International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines which can be obtained from the Patent Examiner’s Toolkit link or from the WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/pct/en/texts/ 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