The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) is maintained by the MPEP staff, within the Office of Patent Examination Policy. To learn more about the organization and operation of the MPEP staff, please see the MPEP staff page.Search eMPEP HTML and PDF MPEPFor help with search features (e.g., default operators, proximity searches, and wild cards) and navigation see:eMPEP user manualQuick Reference GuideFrequently Asked Questions Announcements and upcoming eventsSee Patent Examination Policy Announcements Resource information and reference materialsIdeaScale suggestion area for MPEPMPEP Archives (1948 - present)Patent Laws - the latest published version of the patent lawsPatent Rules - the latest published version of the patent rulesElectronic Business CenterPatent Electronic Business Center Guide [PDF]Customer Numbers and Digital Certificates (for EFS-Web and Private PAIR)ePetition Resource PageePetition Quick Start Guide [PDF]EFS-Web GuideLegal Framework for EFS-WebFrequently asked questionsWhat is the MPEP?The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure or MPEP is published to provide U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) patent examiners, applicants, attorneys, agents, and representatives of applicants with a reference work on the practices and procedures relative to the prosecution of patent applications before the USPTO. It contains instructions to examiners, as well as other material in the nature of information and interpretation, and outlines the current procedures which the examiners are required or authorized to follow in appropriate cases in the normal examination of a patent application.Is there a tutorial on how to use the eMPEP?Yes, please see the MPEP guide [PDF] or MPEP quick reference guide [PDF].How may I obtain a copy of a prior edition or revision of the MPEP?An archive of previous versions is available here.How may I contact an editor of the MPEP?Please send communications via electronic mail to MPEPFeedback@uspto.gov. Contact usUse MPEPFeedback@uspto.gov to send an inquiry to the MPEP staff. Additional questions may be sent to the Patent Examination Policy offices.
