Patent Amendment

A patent amendment is a change or correction made to a patent application.

Sometimes, you need to clarify or fix parts of your application.

Why Would You Need a Patent Amendment?

• Clarification: Make sure everyone understands your invention.
• Errors: Fix mistakes in the application.
• USPTO Feedback: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office might ask for changes.

Types of Patent Amendments:

• Amendment in Preliminary Amendment: Made before the examiners even start looking at a filed application.
• Regular Amendment: Made after the examiners have given feedback.
• After Final Amendment: Made after receiving a “final” rejection but if small changes can address the issues.

Steps to Make a an Amendment to a Patent Application:

1. Identify the Need: Understand why you need a change. It can be from feedback or spotting a mistake.
2. Draft the Changes: Use clear language and follow USPTO guidelines.
3. Submit to the USPTO: Send the amendment to the USPTO for review.

Things to Remember:

• Be Specific: Clearly point out what you’re changing and why.
• Timing Matters: Some amendments have strict deadlines.
• Stay Within Scope: Don’t add new information that wasn’t in the original application.