Chapter II – Content of a European patent application (other than claims)
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  5. Part F
  6. Chapter II
  7. 4. Description (formal requirements)
  8. 4.11 Terminology
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4. Description (formal requirements)

Overview

4.11 Terminology 

A revised version of this publication entered into force.

Although the description needs to be clear and straightforward with avoidance of unnecessary technical jargon, the use of recognised terms of art is acceptable, and will often be desirable. Little-known or specially-formulated technical terms may be allowed provided that they are adequately defined and that there is no generally recognised equivalent. This discretion may be extended to foreign terms when there is no equivalent in the language of the proceedings. Terms already having an established meaning are not allowed to be used to mean something different if this is likely to cause confusion. There may, however, be circumstances where a term may legitimately be borrowed from an analogous art. Terminology and signs must be consistent throughout the application.

Rule 49(11)

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