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2.11.9 Title of the Specification

Date Published

A specification must commence with a short and precise title, however no objection is to be taken if the title is inadequate.

Applicants can amend the title of a specification, and the title indicated on the patent request, under sec 104. For national phase cases, any request to amend the title on the front page of the PCT pamphlet will be treated as a request to change the record in the PAMS bibliographic data (see 5.10.15.9 Pamphlet Title Change for the procedures to be followed).

Title Appearing on the Certificate of Grant

The title of the invention that is used in preparing the certificate of grant is that appearing on the patent request. In the case of national phase applications, it is the title appearing on the front page of the pamphlet.  Therefore, in order to amend the title that will appear on the certificate, applicants will need to amend the title on the patent request or, for national phase cases, amend the title in the PAMS bibliographic data (as the front page of the PCT pamphlet is not a filed document).

Note: Examiners should be aware that when applicants request an amendment to the title, they almost certainly have an expectation that the amended title will appear on the certificate of grant. If a request to amend the title does not include amending the title on the patent request or in the PAMS bibliographic data, this should be brought to the applicant's attention either by way of a note in any adverse report, or by phone.

Historical Note: In the early 19th century, the title was extremely important as patents were frequently granted on the basis of the title of the invention alone; there was no written description. During most of the 20th century, the title had value as an aid to searching paper files. However, now the title serves little purpose beyond being broadly indicative of the subject of the invention.

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