<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr"><div>Yes, theoretically this is proper use of election of species (EoS is common for Markush groups, for instance).</div><div><br></div><div>The
main constraint is "mutually exclusive." So to change your hypo
slightly, "wherein the writing instrument produces a black line or has a
six-sided barrel" wouldn't be electable because those two aren't
mutually exclusive.<br></div></div><div><div class="gmail-adm"><div id="gmail-q_333" class="gmail-ajR gmail-h4"><div class="gmail-ajT"></div></div></div></div>
</div><br><div class="gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Tue, Jun 10, 2025 at 9:39\u202fAM Richard Straussman via Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><u></u>
<div>
All,<br>
<br>
Looking for some guidance. Is it proper for an examiner to
issue a species restriction where all of the supposedly different
species are present in the same dependent claim (as opposed to
separate dependent claims)? <br>
<br>
For example, if claim 1 recites a "writing implement" and claim
2 says, "the system of claim 1, wherein the writing implement is one
of a pencil or a ball point pen"? I am used to the type of
species restriction issued involving , for example, claim 2 stating
"the system of claim 1, wherein the writing implement is a pencil"
and claim 3 stating "the system of claim 1, wherein the writing
implement is a ball point pen."<br>
<br>
NOTE: I am not concerned with the propriety of such
restrictions or the arguments that can be made against them (thank
you David for your repeated guidance to the group on those points),
only the specific situation where the supposed different species are
all recited in the same claim.<br>
<br>
Thanks in advance!<br>
<br>
Rich<br>
<br>
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