Definition
A restriction requirement is an examiner’s determination that an application contains more than one distinct invention, requiring the applicant to elect one for examination.
Why It Matters Legally
Restriction requirements affect cost and strategy, since pursuing the non-elected inventions requires separate divisional applications. Responding well preserves the ability to protect all the inventions disclosed.
Example Use Case
An examiner issues a restriction requirement identifying three separate inventions, and the applicant elects one while reserving the others for divisional filings.
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Related Terms
Divisional Application, Office Action, Patent Prosecution, Examiner, Patent Application