15.—(1) The abstract must start with a title for the invention.
(2) The abstract must contain a concise summary of the matter contained in the specification.
(3) That summary must include—
(a)an indication of the technical field to which the invention belongs;
(b)a technical explanation of the invention;
(c)the principal use of the invention.
(4) Where the specification contains more than one drawing [F1or photograph], the abstract must include an indication of the drawing [F1or photograph] which should accompany the abstract when it is published.
(5) Where it appears to the comptroller that a drawing [F2or photograph] included in the specification better characterises the invention he shall publish it with the abstract.
(6) Where a feature of the invention included in the abstract is illustrated in a drawing [F3or photograph], the feature must be followed by the reference for that feature used in that drawing [F3or photograph].
(7) The abstract must not contain any statement on the merits or value of the invention or its speculative application.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in rule 15(4) inserted (1.10.2016) by The Patents (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2016 (S.I. 2016/892), rules 1(2), 5
F2Words in rule 15(5) inserted (1.10.2016) by The Patents (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2016 (S.I. 2016/892), rules 1(2), 5
F3Words in rule 15(6) inserted (1.10.2016) by The Patents (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2016 (S.I. 2016/892), rules 1(2), 5