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608.01(j) Numbering of Claims - 600 Parts, Form, and Content of Application
608.01(j) Numbering of Claims
37 CFR 1.126 Numbering of claims.
The original numbering of the claims must be preserved throughout the prosecution. When claims are canceled the remaining claims must not be renumbered. When claims are added, they must be numbered by the applicant consecutively beginning with the number next following the highest numbered claim previously presented (whether entered or not). When the application is ready for allowance, the examiner, if necessary, will renumber the claims consecutively in the order in which they appear or in such order as may have been requested by applicant.
In a single claim case, the claim is not numbered.
Form paragraph 6.17 may be used to notify applicant.
¶ 6.17 Numbering of Claims, 37 CFR 1.126
The numbering of claims is not accordance with 37 CFR 1.126, which requires the original numbering of the claims to be preserved throughout the prosecution. When claims are canceled, the remaining claims must not be renumbered. When new claims are presented, they must be numbered consecutively beginning with the number next following the highest numbered claims previously presented (whether entered or not).
Misnumbered claim [1] been renumbered [2].
Examiner Note
1. In bracket 1, insert appropriate claim number(s) and --has-- or -- have --.
2. In bracket 2, insert correct claim number(s) and --, respectively -- if more than one claim is involved.
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