English Spec Drafting

Part I
Introduction to Spec & Elements

by Kevin S. Smith

Friday, June 27, 2008

Agenda

I Principles
II Procedures
III Formatting
IV Section Basics-Voice, Tense, and
Structure
V Terms & Usage
Principles

Compliance AND Protection

Think like an Infringer
Building the Wall
The Big Picture
Less is More
Procedures

Check uncertain items while drafting

Refer 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
Formatting

Two (2) spaces after a period/full stop

Use the correct font (and size) and
template
Don’t forget to number your pages
Page break before Claims and Abstract
Remember to update your header with
the correct case number etc.
Formatting

Section Headings
TITLE BRIEF DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND OF THE OF THE DRAWINGS
INVENTION DETAILED
 Field of the Invention DESCRIPTION OF THE
 Description of the Related INVENTION
Art  Examples (if applicable)
SUMMARY OF THE What is claimed is:
INVENTION ABSTRACT OF THE
DISCLOSURE
Section Basics-Voice, Tense, and
Structure
TITLE
BE BRIEF- keep it as short as possible
It is not necessary to state novelty,
aims, or benefit here
Section Basics-Voice, Tense, and
Structure
BACKGROUND-Field of the Invention
Again, brief, only basic novelty, none
or only the most simple aims and
benefits here
The present invention relates to N.
ONLY; NOT V.+ing
…and more specifically to N. ONLY;
NOT V.+ing
Section Basics-Voice, Tense, and
Structure
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
DON’T refer to Prior Art by name within this
section
Present Perfect Tense MUST be used when
discussing recent developments in
technology
Section Basics-Voice, Tense, and
Structure
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Keep it short, that’s why it’s a
Summary; 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
Section Basics-Voice, Tense, and
Structure
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE
DRAWINGS
The Figure IS a flowchart, cross-
section, view, schematic, etc.
The Figure SHOWS a process, the
invention, or part thereof
Section Basics-Voice, Tense, and
Structure
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION
MUST be in standard written form,
including full sentences; simply
pasting claims and removing spaces IS
NOT acceptable.
Section Basics-Voice, Tense, and
Structure
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION
Method: 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…)
Terms & Usage

Every sentence must have a S. + V.

Incorrect:Reduced operating
temperatures.
Correct:This reduces operating
temperatures.
or
Operating temperatures are reduced.
Terms & Usage

DON’T USE USE

etc. and others, or others
Besides As well, In addition
Operation N. Operating N.
(temp., pressure,
conditions, time,
cost, etc.)
Nowadays Currently, Presently
Firstly First
English Spec Drafting
Part I
Introduction to Spec & Elements

Thanks for Coming!!