Are multiple dependent claims allowable in China?

- 2015-09-08

Multiple dependent claims are allowable in China. However, any multiple dependent claims which refer to two or more claims shall refer to the preceding one in the alternative only, and shall not serve as a basis for any other multiple dependent claims.

For better understanding, please see the following example:

1. A use ...
2. A use according to claim 1...
3. A use according to claim 2...
4. A use according to any one of claims 1-3, ...
5. A use according to any one of claims 1-4, ...
6. A use according to claim 4 or 5...

In the above example, claims 1,2,3, and 4 are permitted, but claim 5 and 6 are not permitted.  During substantive examination, the examiner will ask the applicant to amend claims 5 and 6.
 

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