Legal Definitions - substitute specification

A substitute specification is a term used in patent law. It refers to a rewritten version of a patent specification that is made for various reasons. It can be made to include amendments, replace an illegible original, or prepare the papers for printing.

According to the law, a substitute specification must be accompanied by a statement that it contains no new matter. It must also show what has been added and deleted since the original specification.

For example, if a patent application was filed with an illegible specification, a substitute specification can be made to replace it. The new specification will contain the same information as the original, but it will be readable and clear.

Another example is when a patent application is amended after filing. A substitute specification can be made to include the amendments and ensure that the patent application is accurate and complete.

In summary, a substitute specification is a rewritten version of a patent specification that is made for various reasons, such as to replace an illegible original or include amendments made after filing.