MPEP 1826
← MPEP 1825 | ↑ MPEP 1800 | MPEP 1827 → |
1826 The Abstract[edit | edit source]
PCT Rule 8. |
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The Abstract 8.1. Contents and Form of the Abstract
8.2. Figure
8.3. Guiding Principles in Drafting The abstract shall be so drafted that it can efficiently serve as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art, especially by assisting the scientist, engineer or researcher in formulating an opinion on whether there is a need for consulting the international application itself. |
37 CFR 1.438. The abstract. |
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(a) Requirements as to the content and form of the abstract are set forth in PCT Rule 8, and shall be adhered to. (b) Lack of an abstract upon filing of an international application will not affect the granting of a filing date. However, failure to furnish an abstract within one month from the date of the notification by the Receiving Office will result in the international application being declared withdrawn. |
The abstract must consist of a summary of the disclosure as contained in the description, the claims and any drawings. Where applicable, it must also contain the most characteristic chemical formula. The abstract must be as concise as the disclosure permits (preferably 50 to 150 words if it is in English or when translated into English). National practice (see MPEP 608.01(b)) also provides a maximum of 150 words for the abstract. See 37 CFR 1.72(b). The PCT range of 50 - 150 words is not absolute but publication problems could result when the PCT limit is increased beyond the 150 word limit. Maintaining the PCT upper limit is encouraged.
As a rule of thumb, it can be said that the volume of the text of the abstract, including one of the figures from the drawings (if any), should not exceed what can be accommodated on an A4 sheet of typewritten matter, 1 1/2 spaced. The abstract of the international application as filed must begin on a new sheet following the claims (Administrative Instructions Section 207). The other physical requirements must correspond to those for the description. The abstract must be so drafted that it can efficiently serve as a scanning tool for the purposes of searching in the particular art. These and other requirements concerning the abstract are spelled out in detail in PCT Rule 8. Useful guidance can be obtained from the “Guidelines for the Preparation of Abstracts Under the Patent Cooperation Treaty,” published in the PCT Gazette (No. 5/1978). Those Guidelines may be obtained, in English and French, from the International Bureau.
The abstract should be primarily related to what is new in the art to which the invention pertains. Phrases should not be used which are implicit, (for instance, “the invention relates to...”), and statements on the alleged merits or value of the invention are not allowed.
Where the receiving Office finds that the abstract is missing, it invites the applicant to furnish it within a time limit fixed in the invitation. The international application is considered withdrawn if no abstract is furnished to the receiving Office within the time limit fixed. Where the receiving Office has not invited the applicant to furnish an abstract, the International Searching Authority establishes one. The same applies where the abstract does not comply with the requirements outlined in the preceding paragraphs. Where the abstract is established by the International Searching Authority, the applicant may submit comments on it within 1 month from the date of mailing of the international search report, (PCT Rule 38.2(b)).
SUMMARY OF ABSTRACT REQUIREMENTS
Preferably 50-150 words. Should contain:
- (A) Indication of field of invention.
- (B) Clear indication of the technical problem.
- (C) Gist of invention’s solution of the problem.
- (D) Principal use or uses of the invention.
- (E) Reference numbers of the main technical features placed between parentheses.
- (F) Where applicable, chemical formula which best characterizes the invention.
Should not contain:
- (A) Superfluous language.
- (B) Legal phraseology such as “said” and “means.”
- (C) Statements of alleged merit or speculativeapplication.
- (D) Prohibited items as defined in PCT Rule 9.
← MPEP 1825 | ↑ MPEP 1800 | MPEP 1827 → |