A patent is all about its concreteness and clarity, which makes patent proofreading important for ensuring the enforceability of the patent. The patent proofreading process is about giving a thorough view of the patent application for looking even a tad-bit of error.
Almost 90% of the patent applications have at least 1 mistake in them. And even 2% or less issued patents contain no mistake.
Since a single mistake in any form can change the meaning of the content or might make it redundant. Therefore, spending hours on a rigorous patent proofreading makes it worth the while.
Steps of Patent Proofreading Process
Before we begin with the process, you should know that errors can occur from both applicants and the patent office end.
Applicant’s error can occur at the time of patent application drafting and are highlighted at the time of patent prosecution. On the other hand, patent office errors occur at the time of any update made by the examiner at the time of patent prosecution. These errors come into light during prosecution or after the patent grant.
Talking about the major issues, making mistakes in any part of the claim(s) proves a deterrent for the patent. This completely spoils the credibility of the patent, if not corrected on time.
Whatever is the case, our task is to eradicate the errors and mistakes at an early stage.
To commence with the patent proofreading process consider taking the help of professional proofreading services. This is advice for availing the best of the patent proofreading advantages.
- To commence, a proofreader will ask you to generate the invention details (patent document) through online (in doc., or pdf. format) or offline mode.
- Next is to ensure, the information provided is correct by comparing the first page (bibliographic information with the file wrapper (prosecution history).
- Moving through the invention description and drawings, he/she ensures that the drawings and specifications are as per the
USPTO standard. - Each and every paragraph of invention specification is subject to proofreading. This is to ensure that the “specification as issued” is the same as “specification as filed”.
- Claims are the most vital part of the patent specification, hence proofreading claims becomes prudent for the patent proofreader.
Refer to – Why you need the Proofreading of Patent Claims?
Key Areas to Proofread
Although the complete patent draft is subject to proofreading, some parts of the draft play a major role in the enablement of the invention.
Grammar: the words that an inventor uses to write his/her patent application should convey the invention’s intended purpose. Therefore, during the patent proofreading process, a thorough analysis of patent specification and application for correct grammar usage is mandatory. Even if punctuation goes here and there, it can pose a huge risk for the invention’s credibility.
Claim(s): these are the most important element for the patent proofreading process as they play a major role in setting boundaries of your invention. Therefore, proofreading claims for the meaning they convey, usage of words and reducing data ambiguity becomes prudent.
Drawings and technicalities: drawings are a short-cut to a better understanding of your invention. Hence, it is wise to check if the drawings are too complex or might lack any important aspect. The usage of technical terminologies reflects the scientific understanding of the inventor. On the other hand, the elaboration of the technical terms makes the audience understand your invention better.
References: cross-verification of references and considered prior-art helps to identify missing references. You can also eradicate the references which are no longer required or might pose a problem for invention enablement.
Our Approach
The patent proofreading process involves a thorough approach of looking into the subject matter. Even misplacement of a comma (,) can pose a risk to the credibility of the patent. If you consider taking reliable professional assistance, The Patent Proofreading Company is at your end. With years of experience in the patent industry, we have rigorously proofread 1000+ patents. We follow a multi-step quality check for producing thoroughly proofread results. Therefore, we don’t let these errors become an issue for your patent. We have zero redundancy for grammatical, technical and writing mistakes. Also, we provide a certificate of correction as proof of error-free patent. To learn more and to avail our services, visit our service page.
Other Related Articles:
Tips & Tricks for High-Quality Patent Draft