Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP)

The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) is a comprehensive guide used by patent examiners and attorneys that outlines the rules, procedures, and standards for examining patent applications in the United States. It provides detailed instructions on how to evaluate whether an invention is new, non-obvious, and adequately described for patent approval. Essentially, the MPEP ensures a consistent and fair process in determining patent rights, serving as a reference to interpret patent laws and guide the examination process efficiently and uniformly across cases.