{"id":803,"date":"2022-01-26T00:44:01","date_gmt":"2022-01-26T00:44:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/?page_id=803"},"modified":"2022-01-26T00:44:31","modified_gmt":"2022-01-26T00:44:31","slug":"what-is-the-mpep","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/resources\/patent-basic-principles\/what-is-the-mpep\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the MPEP?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/img_18-1024x46.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-496\" width=\"1138\" height=\"51\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/img_18-1024x46.png 1024w, https:\/\/inventedly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/img_18-300x14.png 300w, https:\/\/inventedly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/img_18-768x35.png 768w, https:\/\/inventedly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/img_18.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1138px) 100vw, 1138px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"aioseo-breadcrumbs\"><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/inventedly.com\" title=\"Home\">Home<\/a>\n\t\t<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb-separator\">&raquo;<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/resources\/\" title=\"Resources\">Resources<\/a>\n\t\t<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb-separator\">&raquo;<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/resources\/patent-basic-principles\/\" title=\"Patent Basic Principles\">Patent Basic Principles<\/a>\n\t\t<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb-separator\">&raquo;<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t\t\tWhat is the MPEP?\n\t\t<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#0461ce\">What is the MPEP?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#0461ce;color:#0461ce\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">The following provides an introduction to the MPEP.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_1');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_1');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_1\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[1]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_1\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">Some of the material for this section is taken from the USPTO, \u201cManual of Patent Examining Procedure: Introduction,\u201d available at&nbsp;&#x2026; <span class=\"footnote_tooltip_continue\"  onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_1');\">Continue reading<\/span><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_1').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_1', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Constitutional Basis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Constitution of the United States provides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cArt. 1, Sec. 8. The Congress shall have power . . . To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Statutes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pursuant to the provision of the Constitution, Congress has over the years passed a number of statutes under which the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is organized and our patent system is established. The provisions of the statutes can in no way be changed or waived by the USPTO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prior to January 1, 1953, the law relating to patents consisted of various sections of the Revised Statutes of 1874, derived from the Patent Act of 1870 and numerous amendatory and additional acts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By an Act of Congress approved July 19, 1952, which came into effect on January 1, 1953, the patent laws were revised and codified in Title 35 of the United States Code. In referring to a particular section of the patent code the citation is given, for example, as, 35 U.S.C. 1.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_2');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_2');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_2\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[2]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_2\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">The United States Code is available online at <span class=\"footnote_url_wrap\">http:\/\/uscode.house.gov\/.<\/span><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_2').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_2', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> Upon occasion, additional provisions pertaining to patents are set forth in a Public Law but are not codified. Examples are some sections of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA), Public Law 112-29, 125 Stat. 284. <span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_3');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_3');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_3\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[3]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_3\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">The Public Laws are available at www.congress.gov\/public-laws.<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_3').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_3', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Title 35 of the United States Code and sections 14, 18, and 33 of the AIA are reproduced in Appendix L of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP), however the Public Laws are the authoritative source and should be consulted if a need arises to verify the authenticity of the language reproduced in the MPEP. <span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_4');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_4');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_4\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[4]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_4\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">A copy of the consolidated patent laws that incorporates any statutory revisions that became effective subsequent to the latest revision of the MPEP is available on the USPTO website at&nbsp;&#x2026; <span class=\"footnote_tooltip_continue\"  onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_4');\">Continue reading<\/span><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_4').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_4', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><em>35 U.S.C. 1 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Establishment.<\/em><\/p><p>(a) ESTABLISHMENT.\u2014 The United States Patent and Trademark Office is established as an agency of the United States, within the Department of Commerce. In carrying out its functions, the United States Patent and Trademark Office shall be subject to the policy direction of the Secretary of Commerce, but otherwise shall retain responsibility for decisions regarding the management and administration of its operations and shall exercise independent control of its budget allocations and expenditures, personnel decisions and processes, procurements, and other administrative and management functions in accordance with this title and applicable provisions of law. Those operations designed to grant and issue patents and those operations which are designed to facilitate the registration of trademarks shall be treated as separate operating units within the Office.<\/p><p>(b) OFFICES.\u2014 The United States Patent and Trademark Office shall maintain its principal office in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area, for the service of process and papers and for the purpose of carrying out its functions. The United States Patent and Trademark Office shall be deemed, for purposes of venue in civil actions, to be a resident of the district in which its principal office is located, except where jurisdiction is otherwise provided by law. The United States Patent and Trademark Office may establish satellite offices in such other places in the United States as it considers necessary and appropriate in the conduct of its business.<\/p><p>(c) REFERENCE.\u2014 For purposes of this title, the United States Patent and Trademark Office shall also be referred to as the \u201cOffice\u201d and the \u201cPatent and Trademark Office.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The USPTO is authorized by statute, subject to the policy direction of the Secretary of Commerce, to establish regulations, not inconsistent with law, for the conduct of proceedings in the USPTO. The rules govern examiners and other Office personnel, applicants, patent practitioners, and third parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These regulations or rules and amendments thereto are published in the Federal Register and in the Official Gazette. In the Federal Register and in the Code of Federal Regulations, the rules pertaining to patents are in Parts 1, 3, 4, 5, 11, 41, 42, and 90 of Title 37, Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights. In referring to a particular section of the rules the citation is given, for example, as 37 CFR 1.31. A booklet entitled \u201cCode of Federal Regulations, Title 37, Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights,\u201d published by the Office of the Federal Register, contains all of the patent rules as well as trademark rules and copyright rules. <span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_5');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_5');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_5\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[5]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_5\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">Persons desiring a copy of this booklet should order a copy from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https:\/\/bookstore.gpo.gov\/CFR. Additionally, the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations&nbsp;&#x2026; <span class=\"footnote_tooltip_continue\"  onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_5');\">Continue reading<\/span><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_5').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_5', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The rules pertaining to patents are reproduced in Appendix R of the MPEP, however, the Federal Register is the authoritative source and should be consulted if a need arises to verify the authenticity of the language reproduced in the MPEP. A copy of the consolidated patent rules that incorporates any regulatory revisions that became effective subsequent to the latest revision of the MPEP is available on the USPTO website(at www.uspto.gov\/web\/offices\/pac\/mpep\/ consolidated_rules.pdf)).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Director\u2019s Orders and Notices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From time to time, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, formerly the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, has issued Orders and Notices relating to various specific situations that have arisen in operating the USPTO. Notices and circulars of information or instructions have also been issued by other USPTO officials under authority of the Director. Orders and Notices have served various purposes including giving examiners instruction, information, interpretations, and the like. Others have been for the information of the public, advising what the USPTO will do under specified circumstances. Notices published in the Official Gazette, the official journal of the USPTO, are available online<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_6');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_6');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_6\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[6]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_6\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">at www.uspto.gov\/learning-and-resources\/official-gazette<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_6').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_6', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Decisions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the statutes and rules, the actions taken by the examiner in the examination of applications for patents are to a great extent governed by decisions on prior cases. Applicants dissatisfied with an examiner\u2019s action may have it reviewed. In general, that portion of the examiner\u2019s action pertaining to objections on formal matters may be reviewed by petition to the Director of the USPTO<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_7');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_7');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_7\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[7]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_7\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">See, e.g., 37 CFR 1.181 (see MPEP \u00a7 1002) <\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_7').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_7', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script>, and that portion of the examiner\u2019s action pertaining to the rejection of claims on the merits may be reviewed by appeal to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_8');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_803_1('footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_8');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_8\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[8]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_8\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">See, e.g., 37 CFR Part 41, subpart B (see also MPEP Chapter 1200) <\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_8').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_803_1_8', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script>. In citing decisions as authority for the examiner&#8217;s actions, the examiner should cite the decision in the manner set forth in MPEP \u00a7 707.06.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"speaker-mute footnotes_reference_container\"> <div class=\"footnote_container_prepare\"><p><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_reference_container_label pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_803_1();\">References<\/span><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_reference_container_collapse_button\" style=\"display: none;\" onclick=\"footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_803_1();\">[<a id=\"footnote_reference_container_collapse_button_803_1\">+<\/a>]<\/span><\/p><\/div> <div id=\"footnote_references_container_803_1\" style=\"\"><table class=\"footnotes_table footnote-reference-container\"><caption class=\"accessibility\">References<\/caption> <tbody> \r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_1\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_803_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_1');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>1<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">Some of the material for this section is taken from the USPTO, \u201cManual of Patent Examining Procedure: Introduction,\u201d available at <span class=\"footnote_url_wrap\">https:\/\/www.uspto.gov\/web\/offices\/pac\/mpep\/mpep-0020-introduction.html.<\/span> No copyright is claimed by the United States in these presentations or associated materials. Further, it is noted that including such information does not infer in any degree that the U.S. Government authorizes, endorses, or approves of this textbook.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_2\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_803_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_2');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>2<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">The United States Code is available online at <span class=\"footnote_url_wrap\">http:\/\/uscode.house.gov\/.<\/span><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_3\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_803_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_3');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>3<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">The Public Laws are available at www.congress.gov\/public-laws.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_4\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_803_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_4');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>4<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">A copy of the consolidated patent laws that incorporates any statutory revisions that became effective subsequent to the latest revision of the MPEP is available on the USPTO website at www.uspto.gov\/web\/offices\/pac\/mpep\/ consolidated_laws.pdf.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_5\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_803_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_5');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>5<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">Persons desiring a copy of this booklet should order a copy from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at <span class=\"footnote_url_wrap\">https:\/\/bookstore.gpo.gov\/CFR.<\/span> Additionally, the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR), available at www.ecfr.gov, is a currently updated version of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), although it is not an official legal edition of the CFR. The Federal Register is available online at www.federalregister.gov\/.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_6\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_803_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_6');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>6<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">at www.uspto.gov\/learning-and-resources\/official-gazette<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_7\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_803_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_7');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>7<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">See, e.g., 37 CFR 1.181 (see MPEP \u00a7 1002) <\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_803_1_8\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_803_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_803_1_8');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>8<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">See, e.g., 37 CFR Part 41, subpart B (see also MPEP Chapter 1200) <\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> function footnote_expand_reference_container_803_1() { jQuery('#footnote_references_container_803_1').show(); jQuery('#footnote_reference_container_collapse_button_803_1').text('\u2212'); } function footnote_collapse_reference_container_803_1() { jQuery('#footnote_references_container_803_1').hide(); jQuery('#footnote_reference_container_collapse_button_803_1').text('+'); } function footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_803_1() { if (jQuery('#footnote_references_container_803_1').is(':hidden')) { footnote_expand_reference_container_803_1(); } else { footnote_collapse_reference_container_803_1(); } } function footnote_moveToReference_803_1(p_str_TargetID) { footnote_expand_reference_container_803_1(); var l_obj_Target = jQuery('#' + p_str_TargetID); if (l_obj_Target.length) { jQuery( 'html, body' ).delay( 0 ); jQuery('html, body').animate({ scrollTop: l_obj_Target.offset().top - window.innerHeight * 0.2 }, 380); } } function footnote_moveToAnchor_803_1(p_str_TargetID) { footnote_expand_reference_container_803_1(); var l_obj_Target = jQuery('#' + p_str_TargetID); if (l_obj_Target.length) { jQuery( 'html, body' ).delay( 0 ); jQuery('html, body').animate({ scrollTop: l_obj_Target.offset().top - window.innerHeight * 0.2 }, 380); } }<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is the MPEP? The following provides an introduction to the MPEP.[1]Some of the material for this section is taken from the USPTO, \u201cManual of Patent Examining Procedure: Introduction,\u201d available at&nbsp;&#x2026; Continue reading Constitutional Basis The Constitution of the United States provides: \u201cArt. 1, Sec. 8. The Congress shall have power . . . To [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":787,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-803","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/803","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=803"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/803\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":812,"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/803\/revisions\/812"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/787"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=803"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}