Office 2011 Update: What You Need to Know

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has recently released the latest update to the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP), the Ninth Edition, Revision 07.2022. This update is a significant change that affects various aspects of patent practice and relevant case law.

The updated MPEP includes changes that became effective in July 2022 or earlier. Some of the key updates include:

* The consolidation of Form Paragraphs into Chapter FPC

* Updates to the Foreword, Introduction, Subject Matter Index, and all appendices except Appendix I and Appendix P

* Revised sections for Chapters 100, 200, 400-1500, 1700, 1800, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2400, 2500, and 2700-2900

The updated MPEP also includes a new revision indicator of indicating that these sections have been updated to reflect USPTO patent practice and relevant case law as of July 31, 2022.

In addition to the updates mentioned above, the February 2023 publication of Revision 07.2022 also includes changes that became effective in July 2022 or earlier. Some of the key changes include:

* Most small and micro entity fees have decreased with the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023

* The change to 37 CFR 1.6(u) published at 86 FR 66192 on August has been delayed until April 3, 2022

It is essential for patent professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest changes in the MPEP to ensure compliance with USPTO patent practice and relevant case law.

To access the updated MPEP, you can visit the USPTO website. The MPEP is available in PDF format, as well as searchable HTML files. You can also find more detailed information about the changes by referring to the Change Summary of the Searchable MPEP or from the Change Summary link provided below.

For further assistance with using the updated MPEP, you can refer to the user manual or quick reference guide for help with search features and navigation.

Overall, the latest update to the MPEP is a significant change that patent professionals should be aware of. By staying informed about these updates, you can ensure compliance with USPTO patent practice and relevant case law.

Office 2011 update