How should Director’s orders, notices, or memoranda be cited in official actions?

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 citing a Director’s order, notice, or memorandum that has not yet been incorporated into the MPEP, specific information should be provided. The MPEP states:

“When a Director’s order, notice or memorandum not yet incorporated into this manual is cited in any official action, the title and date of the order, notice or memorandum should be given.”

Additionally, when appropriate, other relevant data, such as a specific issue of the Official Gazette, may also be included in the citation. This ensures that the referenced material can be easily located and verified by others reviewing the official action.