In the context of a Restriction Requirement, what does the term "traverse" mean?

In the context of a Restriction Requirement, the term "traverse" refers to the act of arguing that the examiner's rejection is incorrect. When a patent examiner issues a restriction requirement, they may identify multiple patentable inventions within a single application and request the applicant to select one for examination. The applicant has the option to "traverse" this requirement, which involves formally expressing disagreement with the examiner's position.

This is an important procedure because by traversing the restriction requirement, the applicant can seek to maintain consideration of all disclosed inventions in the application. If successful, the examiner may be persuaded to allow examination of the additional claims or inventions without requiring the applicant to file separate applications for them.

The other potential answers address different concepts related to patent prosecution. Agreeing with the examiner's rejection does not convey disagreement, which is the essence of traversing. Filing a new application and amending claims pertain to different actions that could follow a restriction requirement but do not constitute a formal argument against it. Thus, understanding "traverse" in this specific context highlights the importance of advocating for one's claims and inventions within the patent examination process.