3.1.2 Punctuation, spelling and tautology

Where the specification is unclear due to poor punctuation, examiners should ask the applicant to correct this⁶. The examiner may suggest appropriate alternative punctuation.

Examiners will correct any obvious spelling errors but should ask the applicant where the spelling error is not obvious.

Where a long specification contains a lot of tautology, examiners should request the removal of the duplicate items.

Examiners will amend virgules and solidi where they appear in a specification to “and/or”. For example the goods “cars/boats” will be amended to “cars and/or boats”.

However, where the wording of the specification is unclear, then the examiner will request more information from the applicant, or alternatively, suggest appropriate alternative wording or punctuation.

Footnote

⁶ Practice Guideline Amendment 2006/05, IPONZ Newsletter, June 2006