What should you do if a page of the specification is inadvertently missing from a filed application?

If a page of the specification is inadvertently missing from a filed application, addressing the issue can involve multiple approaches. Filing a new complete application ensures that all necessary documents are submitted, thereby providing a fully compliant application. However, this can lead to issues with filing dates and duplicate efforts.

Requesting the page to be added and moving the filing date back is a way to rectify the situation without needing to recast the entire application. It is essential to follow the proper procedures outlined by the USPTO for such requests, which may involve demonstrating the inadvertence of the omission.

Filing a petition with evidence of the original deposit is another method to address the missing page. This can serve as a formal request for correction and is supported by documentation proving the initial submission included the now-missing page.

Each of these actions may serve a different purpose depending on the situation, and the correct course of action may vary based on specific circumstances. Therefore, considering all these options allows for a comprehensive approach to rectifying the issue, leading to the conclusion that taking one or a combination of these actions is appropriate.