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English Spec DraftingPart I

Introduction to Spec & Elements

by Kevin S. Smith

Friday, June 27, 2008

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Agenda

I Principles

II Procedures

III Formatting

IV Section Basics-Voice, Tense, and

StructureV Terms & Usage

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Principles

Compliance AND Protection

Think like an Infringer

Building the Wall

The Big Picture

Less is More

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Procedures

Check uncertain items while draftingRefer to past revisions-Avoid repeat

errors

Try to proof your formatting before

submission

If you have to make any changes after

receiving the final revision, please notify

the reviser

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Formatting

Two (2) spaces after a period/full stopUse the correct font (and size) and

template

Dont forget to number your pages

Page break before Claims and Abstract

Remember to update your header with

the correct case number etc.

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Formatting

TITLE

BACKGROUND OF THE

INVENTION Field of the Invention

Description of the RelatedArt

SUMMARY OF THE

INVENTION

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONOF THE DRAWINGS

DETAILED

DESCRIPTION OF THE

INVENTION Examples (if applicable)

What is claimed is:

ABSTRACT OF THE

DISCLOSURE

Section Headings

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Section Basics-Voice, Tense, andStructure

TITLE

BE BRIEF- keep it as short as possibleIt is not necessary to state novelty,

aims, or benefit here

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Section Basics-Voice, Tense, andStructure

BACKGROUND-Field of the Invention

Again, brief, only basic novelty, noneor only the most simple aims andbenefits here

The present invention relates to N.

ONLY; NOT V.+ingand more specifically to N. ONLY;NOT V.+ing

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Section Basics-Voice, Tense, andStructure

BACKGROUND-Description of the Prior Art

Be reasonable in assumption of Examiner

knowledge; we rarely need to explain things

like what PCs are used for, why people like

cell phones, or why the Internet is good

DONT refer to Prior Art by name within this

section

Present Perfect Tense MUST be used when

discussing recent developments in

technology

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Section Basics-Voice, Tense, andStructure

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Keep it short, thats why its aSummary; no more than 10-15% of the

Page Count of the DETAILED

DESCRIPTION

The object of the invention is to (aims)NOT the invention itself

Different objects MUST BE DIFFERENT

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Section Basics-Voice, Tense, andStructure

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE

DRAWINGSThe Figure IS a flowchart, cross-

section, view, schematic, etc.

The Figure SHOWS a process, the

invention, or part thereof

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Section Basics-Voice, Tense, andStructure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE

INVENTIONMUST be in standard written form,

including full sentences; simply

pasting claims and removing spaces IS

NOT acceptable.

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Section Basics-Voice, Tense, andStructure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE

INVENTIONMethod: must be in standard or passive

voice (The Subj. is PP) ONLY

NOT imperative (V. the Obj.)

NOT V.+ing the Obj.

In some cases, the Steps can be the

Subj. (Step 14 compares the)

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Terms & Usage

Every sentence must have a S. + V.

Incorrect:Reduced operatingtemperatures.

Correct:This reduces operating

temperatures.or

Operating temperatures are reduced.

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Terms & Usage

DONT USE

etc.Besides

Operation N.

(temp., pressure,

conditions, time,

cost, etc.)

Nowadays

Firstly

USE

and others, or othersAs well, In addition

Operating N.

Currently, Presently

First

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English Spec DraftingPart I

Introduction to Spec & Elements

Thanks for Coming!!