Which type of amendments are allowed in an Appeal Brief?

In the context of an Appeal Brief, the permissible type of amendments primarily involves the cancellation of claims or the rewriting of a dependent claim into an independent claim. This aligns with the rules set forth in patent regulations, which allow for certain adjustments to existing claims without introducing new matter or fundamentally altering the nature of the appeal.

When an applicant files an Appeal Brief, they are essentially challenging a rejection made by the patent examiner. Any changes made during this process should maintain the integrity of the original claims while addressing the examiner's concerns. Canceling claims can refine the focus of the appeal, potentially strengthening the argument for patentability. Additionally, rewriting a dependent claim into an independent one offers a chance to clarify the claim's breadth and ensure it satisfies all necessary patentability criteria.

The other options do not align with the guidelines for amendments during the appeal process. For instance, adding new claims or changing the title of the application is generally not permitted at this stage, as it could introduce new issues or change the scope of what is being appealed. Likewise, amending the specification is usually restricted during an appeal to ensure that the arguments are based on what was originally filed and allows for a fair review of the claim against the initial disclosure. Thus, the option regarding canceling