I. Review of TC1600 Restriction Practice Action Plan October 27, 2003 I. Review of TC1600 Restriction Practice Action Plan Drivers for Implementation of TC 1600 Restriction Practice Action Plan: Public comments from bar groups, and customer partnerships starting before the Unity of Invention Study was launched. Notice: Request for Comments for the Unity of Invention Study: Consensus: need to immediately address inconsistent practices under the current restriction standard. Issue 10: Overhaul of aspects of current production system that encourages undue restriction requirements encouraged. One group suggested EPO and PCT adopt the US system. Revision of rejoinder practice to permit greater use of practice

I. Review of TC1600 Restriction Practice Action Plan October 27, 2003 I. Review of TC1600 Restriction Practice Action Plan The action plan includes 5 initiatives: Publish Examples Of Claim Sets Emphasis On Rejoinder Practice Examiner Training On Restriction Practice Enhanced Review Of Restriction Requirements Continuous Assessment Issue 10: Overhaul of aspects of current production system that encourages undue restriction requirements encouraged. One group suggested EPO and PCT adopt the US system. Revision of rejoinder practice to permit greater use of practice

I. Review of TC1600 Restriction Practice Action Plan Publish Examples Of Claim Sets Provide examples that do not present a serious burden on the Office Provide both applicant’s and examiners with guidance Emphasis On Rejoinder Practice Provide a new Rejoinder paragraph Remind applicants of their options on Rejoinder Examiner Training On Restriction Practice Emphasize proper restriction practices Claim groupings and support/formulation of restriction requirements Provide Art Unit/Workgroup specific examples Publish materials

I. Review of TC1600 Restriction Practice Action Plan Enhanced Review Of Restriction Requirements Review Art Units with high number of restrictions and indications of inconsistent requirements Includes reviewing restrictions in 2nd and subsequent actions Continuous Assessment Collect data from reviews and samplings Survey customers on impact of action plan