4.2.9Abstract 

4.2.034The abstract merely serves for use as technical information. It may not be taken into account for any other purpose, such as interpreting the scope of the protection sought or applying Article 54(3). It must be so drafted that it constitutes an efficient instrument for searching in the particular technical field and for evaluating whether it is worth considering the whole content of the application.

4.2.035The abstract, which must be preceded by the title of the invention, must contain a concise summary (preferably no more than 150 words long) of the disclosure as contained in the description, claims and drawings. It should indicate the technical field to which the invention relates, unless that is already clear from the title, and should be so drafted as to allow a clear understanding of the technical problem, the gist of the solution of that problem through the invention and the principal use of the invention. 

4.2.036If your application contains drawings, you must indicate the figure or, exceptionally, figures which you suggest should accompany the published abstract. In this case each main feature mentioned in the abstract and illustrated in the drawing must be followed by the corresponding reference sign in parentheses. 

4.2.037The definitive content of the abstract is determined by the examiner (see point 5.2.014). Once the abstract has been published as part of the European patent application (see point 5.3.001), it is not amended again.