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DOC/PTO RIN: 0651-AC00 Publication ID: Spring 2009 
Title: Examination of Patent Applications That Include Claims Containing Alternative Language 
Abstract: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Office) is considering revising the rules of practice to address Markush-type and other claims written so as to claim an invention in the alternative. The search and examination of Markush-type and other claims written in the alternative generally consume a disproportionate amount of Office resources as compared to other types of claims, because these claims can encompass multiple independent and distinct inventions and determining the patentability of such a claim may require a separate examination of each of the alternatives within the claim. The Office anticipates that requiring applicants who choose this claim-drafting format to ensure a certain degree of relatedness among the members of a Markush group or the alternatives presented in the claims will allow the Office to do a better, more thorough and reliable examination of Markush-type and other claims written in the alternative. 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Long-Term Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1   
Legal Authority: 35 USC 2(b)(2)   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  08/10/2007  72 FR 44992   
NPRM Comment Period End  10/09/2007    
Second NPRM  03/10/2008  73 FR 12679   
Second NPRM Comment Period End  04/09/2008    
Final Action   To Be Determined    
Additional Information: Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
Robert W. Bahr
Senior Patent Attorney
Department of Commerce
Patent and Trademark Office
Mail Stop Comments-Patents, Commissioner for Patents, P. O. Box 1450,
Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone:571 272-8800
Email: robert.bahr@uspto.gov