Definition
A divisional application is filed to pursue a separate invention that was disclosed in a parent application but had to be split out, often due to a restriction requirement.
Why It Matters Legally
Divisionals let an inventor protect multiple inventions described in one filing without losing the priority date. They are common after an examiner requires the applicant to elect a single invention to examine.
Example Use Case
After receiving a restriction requirement, an applicant files a divisional application to separately pursue claims to a second invention the examiner set aside.
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Related Terms
Restriction Requirement, Continuation Application, Patent Family, Priority Date, Patent Prosecution