I. Review of TC1600 Restriction Practice Action Plan

1. I. Review of TC1600 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.

2. I. Review of TC1600 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

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