Practice question: restriction requirements
Answer in brief
This question tests when an examiner may require restriction. Pick an answer before you open the explanation; the governing rule is in MPEP 803.
An original practice question written by Wysebridge in the style of the exam. It is not a released USPTO question.
The question
Which pair of conditions must both be met for a restriction requirement between patentably distinct inventions to be proper?
- The inventions are independent or distinct as claimed, and examining them together would be a serious search and examination burden.
- The applicant consents, and the claims exceed 20.
- The inventions share an inventor, and they were filed on the same day.
- The claims are indefinite, and the specification is long.
- The application is a continuation, and a fee has been paid.
Answer and explanation
Show the answer
Answer: A. There are two criteria for a proper restriction: the inventions must be independent or distinct as claimed, and there must be a serious search and examination burden on the examiner if restriction is not required.
Where the rule lives
Read MPEP 803 explained on MPEP.net, then find it in the official MPEP. On test day you will search the same text, so practice locating it yourself.
Sources for this entry
- Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) USPTO
The examination manual the patent bar is tested on; open book during the exam. - Wysebridge — Patent bar exam simulator Wysebridge (publisher of this site)
Timed AM/PM practice modeled on the Prometric test center.
Practical guidance is original editorial content. Company-published figures are the company's own claims and are labeled as such.
Continue this reading path
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Cite or share this entry
Patent Bar Practice Questions. “Practice question: restriction requirements.” Wysebridge Reference. Content reviewed 9 November 2026.
https://patentbarpracticequestions.com/restriction-question/