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Guidebook to Patent Law (Based on the MPEP Edition 9, Revision 7.2015)

  This step helps you learn the details of patent law. Watch the Guidebook to Patent Law video tutorial by clicking on the puzzle icon to the left. Learn more about this resource and how to use it for preparing for the exam.

Important Notice

NOTE (April 16th, 2018): This is the currently tested version of the MPEP. The patent bar will start covering the 08.2017 version of the MPEP on August 16, 2018. We have that version ready for you here (please make sure you are actually planning on taking the exam on or after that date).

 

Start this Step

MPEP Breakdown »
Start here! Review the MPEP Breakdown course and walk-through the chapters of the MPEP.

Ed9.2015 Guidebook »
For Pre-August 8th, 2018 Exams
Review a consolidated version of the MPEP which cuts down on about 70% of the material, includes summaries, and frequency charts.

08.2017 Guidebook »
For Post- August 16th, 2018 Exams
Review a consolidated version of the MPEP which cuts down on about 70% of the material, includes summaries, and frequency charts.


AIA Key

The following is a key of the AIA and pre-AIA icons to help you differentiate between the material:

This symbol has a clock with a gear. It represents pre-AIA material.
This symbol is a lightbulb. It represents AIA material.

 

Guidebook I (Ed9 07.2015)

Chapter 100 » Secrecy, Access, National Security and Foreign Filing 
Chapter 200 » Types, Cross-Noting and Status of Application
Chapter 300 » Ownership and Assignment 
Chapter 400 » Representative of Inventor or Owner
Chapter 500 » Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers 
Chapter 600 » Parts, Form and Content of Application 

 

Guidebook II (Ed9 07.2015)

Chapter 700 » Examination of Applications 
Chapter 2100 » Patentability  
Appendix I » Prior Art Rejections      
Appendix II » 35 U.S.C. 102 Rejections
Appendix III » 35 U.S.C. 103 Rejections
Appendix IV » Disqualify Prior Art
Appendix V » 35 U.S.C. 112 Specification Requirements

 

Guidebook III (Ed9 07.2015)

Chapter 800 » Restriction in Applications Filed Under 35 U.S.C. 111; Double Patenting
Chapter 900 » Prior Art, Classification, Search   
Chapter 1000 » Matters Decided by Various PTO Officials
Chapter 1100 » Statutory Invention Registration (SIR) and Pre-Grant Publication
Chapter 1200 » Appeal 
Chapter 1300 » Allowance and Issue
Chapter 1400 » Correction of Patents
Chapter 1500 » Design Patents 
Chapter 1600 » Plant Patents  
Chapter 1700 » Miscellaneous
Chapter 1800 » Patent Cooperation Treaty
Chapter 1900 » Protest      
Chapter 2000 » Duty of Disclosure   


Guidebook IV (Ed9 07.2015)

Citation of Prior Art and Ex Parte Reexamination of Patents
Interference Proceedings  
Biotechnology     
Maintenance Fees
Optional Inter Partes Reexamination  
Patent Terms and Extensions 
Supplemental Examination
International Design Applications
Supplement: New Trial Proceedings
Derivations »
Supplement: Derivation Proceedings
Rep. of Others »
Supplement: Representation of Others
PPH Program »
Supplement: Global & PPH Program
New Supplements »
New Supplements: These will begin being tested on December 16th, 2016


Additional Tools (Ed9 07.2015)

Chapter Rankings »
See how each chapter of the MPEP is ranked by importance, volume of material, and complexity level.
MPEP Frequency »
Discover the exact MPEP sections and subsections that are currently tested on the exam.
37 CFR Frequency »
Discover the exact 37 CFR rules that are currently tested on the exam.
35 USC Frequency »
Discover the exact 35 USC laws that are currently tested on the exam.
Hot Topics »
Some of the hottest topics tested on the patent bar exam time and time again are presented here.