1. I. Review of TC1600 Restriction Practice Action Plan
October 27, 2003
I. Review of TC 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

2. I. Review of TC1600 Restriction Practice Action Plan
October 27, 2003
I. Review of TC 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

3. 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

4. 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