How should conflicting teachings in prior art references be handled?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. When the teachings of two or more prior art references conflict, the examiner must weigh the suggestive power of each reference. According to MPEP 2143.01 , “Where the teachings of two or more prior art references conflict, the examiner must weigh the power of each reference to suggest solutions to one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the degree to which one reference might accurately discredit another.” This approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the prior art landscape and its implications for obviousness determinations. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Examiner Must Weigh Conflicting Prior Art References MPEP 2143.01 Required Considerations for Obviousness Determination MPEP 2143 Recommended Rationales for Obviousness Determination Must Be Explicitly Articulated MPEP 2143 Inventor’s Motivation to Combine Prior Art Required MPEP 2143 Obvious to One of Ordinary Skill MPEP 2143 Requirement for Obviousness Over Prior Art MPEP 2143 Motivation to Modify Reaction Time MPEP 2143 Motivation to Combine Prior Art Must Exist MPEP 2143 Implicit Motivation to Combine Prior Art References MPEP 2143 Common Sense for Combining Prior Art MPEP 2143 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Is the ability to combine references sufficient to establish obviousness? What is the significance of the &#8220;intended purpose&#8221; of prior art in obviousness determinations? How does the &#8220;proposed modification cannot change the principle of operation&#8221; affect obviousness determinations? What is the significance of &#8220;proposed modification cannot render the prior art unsatisfactory for its intended purpose&#8221;? What is the test for ob...