S.L. 417.1 Art. 14The abstract. Article 17.

(1) The abstract shall commence with a title for the invention.

(2) The abstract shall contain a concise summary of the matter contained in the specifications. The summary shall indicate the technical field to which the invention belongs and be drafted in a way which allows a clear understanding of the technical problem to which the invention relates, the gist of the solution to that problem through the invention and the principal use or uses of the invention. Where appropriate, the abstract shall also contain the chemical formula, which, among those contained in the specification, best characterizes the invention. It shall not contain statements on the alleged merits or value of the invention or on its speculative application.

(3) The abstract shall normally not contain more than 150 words.

(4) If the specification contains any drawings, the applicant shall indicate on the abstract the figure or, exceptionally, the figure of the drawings that he suggests should accompany the abstract when published. The Comptroller may decide to publish one or more other figures if he considers that they better characterize the invention. Each main feature mentioned in the abstract and illustrated by a drawing shall be followed by the reference sign used in that drawing.

(5) The abstract shall be so drafted that it constitutes an efficient instrument for the purposes of searching in the particular by making it possible to assess whether there is a need to consult the specifications.