How should the Field of the Invention be described in a patent application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 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. The Field of the Invention should be described as follows: It should be a statement of the field of art to which the invention pertains. The statement should be directed to the subject matter of the claimed invention. It may include a paraphrasing of the applicable Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) definitions. As stated in MPEP 608.01(c) , the Field of the Invention is “A statement of the field of art to which the invention pertains. This statement may include a paraphrasing of the applicable Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) definitions.” Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Field of Art Must Be Stated MPEP 608.01(c) Recommended Description Must Pertain to Invention Field MPEP 608.01(c) Permitted Specification Must Describe Invention Completely MPEP 608.01(c) Description of Related Art Required MPEP 608.01(c) Problems with Prior Art Must Be Indicated MPEP 608.01(c) Recommended Background Must Include Specific Parts MPEP 608.01(c) Required Full and Clear Disclosure Required for Patent MPEP 608 Required Requirement for Full and Clear Disclosure MPEP 608 Claims Must Find Basis in Original Disclosure MPEP 608 Required No New Matter After Filing Date MPEP 608 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Why is it important to describe problems in the prior art in the Background of the Invention? What information should be included in the Description of the Related Art section? What should be included in the Background of the Invention section of a patent application? Is the Background of the Invention section mandatory in a patent application? How does the Background of the Invention relate to the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)?