Using the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure

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 MPEP

For help with search features (e.g., default operators, proximity searches, and wild cards) and navigation see:

• eMPEP user manual
• Quick Reference Guide
• Frequently Asked Questions

Announcements and upcoming events

• See Patent Examination Policy Announcements

Resource information and reference materials

• MPEP Archives (1948 - present)
• Patent Laws - the latest published version of the patent laws
• Patent Rules - the latest published version of the patent rules
• Electronic Business Center
  • Patent Electronic Business Center Guide [PDF]
  • Customer Numbers and Digital Certificates
  • ePetition Resource Page
  • ePetition Quick Start Guide [PDF]
  • Legal Framework for Patent Electronic System

Frequently asked questions

Contact us

Use MPEPFeedback@uspto.gov to send an inquiry to the MPEP staff. Additional questions may be sent to the Patent Examination Policy offices.