Introduction to Patents Glossary of Patent Terms Invention Disclosure Patent Related Links |
LOW FEES - Don't spend thousands more than you should on a patent application! Before you hire an agent, attorney, or firm, get a second quotation. Starting at $3000 to prepare a utility application. Starting at $1000 to prepare a provisional application. FREE - Initial consultations and written quotation. Click Here for more information. 16. What are amendments?An amendment is a change to a patent application, made by the patent attorney or agent, which modifies the application to get around the Examiner's rejections. Most often the claims will be adjusted to add invention feature limitations which distinguish the invention from the prior art cited by the Examiner. Sometimes this process requires a second amendment. It is important to note that once an application is submitted no new material may be added. For example, if after application submission, the inventor discovers a new refinement which greatly improves the performance of the invention, this feature may not be added to the present application. Rather, a new application is required.Copyright ©1996-2008 Ted Masters & Associates, Inc. Ted Masters - Patent Agent |