What is the significance of ‘expected beneficial results’ in patent examination?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 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. ‘Expected beneficial results’ play a crucial role in patent examination. According to MPEP 716.02(c) : ‘Expected beneficial results are evidence of obviousness of a claimed invention, just as unexpected results are evidence of unobviousness thereof.’ This means that: If the results obtained by the invention are expected or predictable, they support a finding of obviousness. Such results do not overcome a strong prima facie case of obviousness. Examiners must consider whether the claimed invention produces expected beneficial results when evaluating patentability. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Unexpected Results vs. Prima Facie Obviousness MPEP 716.02(c) Required Evidence of Expected vs Unexpected Results for Obviousness MPEP 716.02(c) Unexpected Results Weigh Against Obviousness MPEP 716.02(c) Significance of Unexpected Properties Not Exceeding Expected MPEP 716.02(c) Unexpected Results Must Significantly Exceed Expected MPEP 716.02(c) Declaration Can Replace Affidavit in Patent Applications MPEP 716 Showing Nonaddictiveness as Evidence of Nonobviousness MPEP 716.02(c) Significance of Unexpected Properties Must Equal Expected Improvements MPEP 716.02(c) Expected Results from Antioxidants MPEP 716.02(c) Unexpected Properties Must Equal Expected Improvements to Rebut Obviousness MPEP 716.02(c) Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How do patent examiners evaluate evidence of expected and unexpected results? How significant must unexpected properties be to overcome obviousness? Can a single unexpected property overcome an obviousness rejection? How does the USPTO weigh evidence of expected and unexpected results in patent applications? How are unexpe...