What is the significance of the “intended purpose” of prior art in obviousness determinations?

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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. The proposed modification of prior art must not render it unsatisfactory for its intended purpose when determining obviousness. According to MPEP 2143.01 , “If a proposed modification would render the prior art invention being modified unsatisfactory for its intended purpose, then there is no suggestion or motivation to make the proposed modification.” This principle, established in cases like In re Gordon , ensures that obviousness rejections are based on rational and feasible combinations of prior art teachings. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Modification Would Make Prior Art Inoperable MPEP 2143.01 Permitted Modification Would Make Prior Art Inoperable MPEP 2143.01 Modification Would Render Inoperable For Intended Purpose MPEP 2143.01 Modifications to Prior Art Must Be Considered in Obviousness Assessment MPEP 2143 Prohibited Combining or Modifying Prior Art to Produce Invention MPEP 2143.01 Permitted Inventor’s Motivation to Combine Prior Art Required 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 Modification Would Make Invention Unsatisfactory for Intended Use MPEP 2143.01 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Is the ability to combine references sufficient to establish obviousness? How should conflicting teachings in prior art references be handled? 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 f...