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Question:
How should measurements be given within a patent application?
Answer:
In order to minimize the necessity in the future for converting dimensions given in the English system of measurements to the metric system of measurements when using printed patents as research and prior art search documents, all patent applicants should use the metric (S.I.) units followed by the equivalent English units when describing their inventions in the specifications of patent applications.
Chapter Details:
The answer to this question can be found in chapter 600 of the MPEP. This chapter covers Parts, Form, and Content of Application.
The answer is from the 9th Edition, Revision 10.2019. Depending on future changes to the MPEP, the question and answer may or may not be applicable in later Editions or revisions.
Section Summary:
This question and answer comes from section 608.01 of the MPEP. The following is a brief summary of section 608.01.
608.01 Specification
The specification is a written description of the invention and of the manner and process of making and using the same. This section covers general information about the specification and includes a discussion on the paper requirements, alteration of application papers, certified copies of an application-as-filed, use of the metric system in patent applications, filing of non-English language applications, illustrations in the specification, and hyperlinks.