USPTO Publishes "Principles of [Chemical] Restriction Practice

As part of its action plan to improve the quality and consistency of restriction practices, the USPTO's Technology Center 1600 (Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry) has published Examiner training materials entitled "Principles in Restriction Practice" and dated August 2004. The materials are part of the Center's ?5-point? plan to (1) publish examples of claim sets, (2) emphasize rejoinder practice, (3) deliver and publish updated examiner training on restriction practice, (4) enhance the quality review of restriction requirements, and (5) assess the progress of the action plan.

The plan is being implemented at the same time that the Agency is conducting a study of long-term restriction practice reforms. However, TC 1600 will begin implementation of this action plan immediately and contemplates that it will be fully implemented in six to nine months from August 2004.