MPEP Section 810, Action on the Merits

Executive summary:

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810 Action on the Merits

In general, in an application when only a >nonfinal< written requirement to restrict is made, no action on the merits is given. >A 1-month (not less than 30 days) shortened statutory period will be set for reply when a written restriction requirement is made without an action on the merits. This period may be extended under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.136(a). The Office action making the restriction requirement final ordinarily includes an action on the merits of the claims of the elected invention. See 37 CFR 1.143. In those applications wherein a requirement for restriction or election is made via telephone and applicant makes an oral election of a single invention, the written record of the restriction requirement will be accompanied by a complete action on the merits of the elected claims. See MPEP § 812.01. When preparing a final action in an application where applicant has traversed the restriction requirement, see MPEP § 821.01.<