What does electing with traverse entail?

Electing with traverse refers to the action taken by an applicant in response to a restriction requirement, especially in cases where multiple inventions have been claimed in a single application. When an applicant elects one invention to pursue while traversing the restriction requirement, they are effectively disagreeing with the examiner's determination that the claims are directed to distinct inventions.

In this context, "traversing" means that the applicant points out errors or argues against the examiner's reasoning that requires the claims to be separated into different applications. The applicant believes that the claims in question are not distinct but rather part of a single invention or that the examiner's requirement for restriction is unwarranted. By doing this, the applicant reserves their rights to contest the examiner's decision, which can result in further discussion, amendment, or appeal.

This process is a way for the applicant to maintain a legal stance that supports their claims without abandoning any part of their application or filing a new one. Therefore, the correct answer aligns with the definition of "electing with traverse," emphasizing the applicant's intent to challenge the examiner rather than accept their findings.