MPEP
Law & Legal abbreviation · Intellectual Property
| Stands for | Manual of Patent Examining Procedure |
|---|---|
| Categories | Law & Legal |
MPEP stands for Manual of Patent Examining Procedure, an intellectual property abbreviation.
USPTO publication setting out the practices and procedures patent examiners follow, interpreting statutes, regulations and court decisions on topics from formalities to obviousness. Patent attorneys and agents cite it constantly during prosecution.
Example: Under MPEP § 2143, the examiner must articulate a reason to combine the references.
Usage notes
The MPEP is updated periodically and is not itself law; courts give it weight as the agency's interpretation. Chapters are numbered in hundreds, with Chapter 2100 covering patentability. It is the core text for the patent bar exam, where candidates can search an electronic copy.
Related abbreviations
More intellectual property abbreviations
- FRAND – Fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory
- FTO – Freedom to operate
- IDS – Information disclosure statement
- IP – Intellectual property
- IPR – Intellectual property rights
- ITU – Intent-to-use application
- NPE – Non-practicing entity
- OA – Office action
- ODP – Obviousness-type double patenting
- PCT – Patent Cooperation Treaty
- PGR – Post-grant review
- PHOSITA – Person having ordinary skill in the art
See all 50 intellectual property abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not legal advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.