What does the Unity of Invention requirement stipulate for International Applications?

The Unity of Invention requirement is a critical aspect of the patent application process, particularly for International Applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This requirement stipulates that all claims in an application must relate to a single invention or, in certain cases, to a group of inventions that are so technically linked that they form a single general inventive concept.

The underlying principle of unity of invention is to ensure that the claims of the application are focused and coherent, making it easier for patent examiners to assess the novelty and inventive step of the claimed invention. By requiring that all claims pertain to one invention, the PCT aims to simplify the examination process and provide clarity regarding what is being claimed. This helps streamline the patent examination process, prevents claim fragmentation, and reduces the potential for conflicts in the scope of claims.

In contrast, multiple inventions without sufficient technical linkage can lead to ambiguity and complicate the examination process for patent offices. This is why the requirement emphasizes the need for a single invention or closely related inventions within a single application.