MPEP § 1400.01 — Introduction (Annotated Rules)

§1400.01 Introduction

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2025-12-31

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1400.01, including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Introduction

This section addresses Introduction. Contains: 2 permissions and 3 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

AIA Effective Dates

2 rules
MPEP GuidanceInformativeAlways
[mpep-1400-01-38fe61043b4a071c13c7a21d]
First Three Examination Methods Discussed
Note:
This chapter covers the first three methods of examination for patent applications.

The first three ways are discussed in this chapter. The fourth way (reexamination) is discussed in MPEP Chapter 2200 for ex parte reexamination and MPEP Chapter 2600 for inter partes reexamination requests (as of September 16, 2012 no new requests may be filed). The fifth way (supplemental examination) is discussed in MPEP Chapter 2800. The sixth, seventh, and eighth ways (inter partes review, post grant review, and covered business method review) are discussed in the Office Patent Trial Practice Guide available at www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/resources.

Jump to MPEP SourceAIA Effective DatesKey Changes Under AIACovered Business Method Review (CBM)
MPEP GuidancePermittedAlways
[mpep-1400-01-3de076ce79fe474ad265c684]
Reexamination Requests Prohibited After September 16, 2012
Note:
No new ex parte or inter partes reexamination requests may be filed as of September 16, 2012.

The first three ways are discussed in this chapter. The fourth way (reexamination) is discussed in MPEP Chapter 2200 for ex parte reexamination and MPEP Chapter 2600 for inter partes reexamination requests (as of September 16, 2012 no new requests may be filed). The fifth way (supplemental examination) is discussed in MPEP Chapter 2800. The sixth, seventh, and eighth ways (inter partes review, post grant review, and covered business method review) are discussed in the Office Patent Trial Practice Guide available at www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/resources.

Jump to MPEP SourceAIA Effective DatesAIA Overview and Effective DatesAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Topic

Reissue and Reexamination

1 rules
MPEP GuidancePermittedAlways
[mpep-1400-01-df70554543924b67a326938d]
Eight Ways to Correct a Patent
Note:
This rule outlines the eight methods by which a patent can be corrected, including reissue, certificate of correction, disclaimer, and various types of reviews.
A patent may be corrected or amended in eight ways, namely by:
  • (1) reissue,
  • (2) the issuance of a certificate of correction which becomes a part of the patent,
  • (3) disclaimer,
  • (4) reexamination,
  • (5) supplemental examination,
  • (6) inter partes review,
  • (7) post grant review, and
  • (8) covered business method review.
Jump to MPEP SourceReissue and ReexaminationConcurrent Reissue ProceedingsSupplemental Examination Certificate
Topic

Key Changes Under AIA

1 rules
MPEP GuidanceInformativeAlways
[mpep-1400-01-4eaff1660daf805a81582ac2]
Supplemental Examination Requirement for Patent Applications
Note:
The rule requires that supplemental examination be conducted as per MPEP Chapter 2800 for patent applications.

The first three ways are discussed in this chapter. The fourth way (reexamination) is discussed in MPEP Chapter 2200 for ex parte reexamination and MPEP Chapter 2600 for inter partes reexamination requests (as of September 16, 2012 no new requests may be filed). The fifth way (supplemental examination) is discussed in MPEP Chapter 2800. The sixth, seventh, and eighth ways (inter partes review, post grant review, and covered business method review) are discussed in the Office Patent Trial Practice Guide available at www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/resources.

Jump to MPEP SourceKey Changes Under AIAAIA Effective DatesCovered Business Method Review (CBM)
Topic

Covered Business Method Review (CBM)

1 rules
MPEP GuidanceInformativeAlways
[mpep-1400-01-b604dc2818e9ee850b5e76fd]
Inter Partes Review, Post Grant Review, and Covered Business Method Review Discussed
Note:
The Office Patent Trial Practice Guide outlines the procedures for inter partes review, post grant review, and covered business method review.

The first three ways are discussed in this chapter. The fourth way (reexamination) is discussed in MPEP Chapter 2200 for ex parte reexamination and MPEP Chapter 2600 for inter partes reexamination requests (as of September 16, 2012 no new requests may be filed). The fifth way (supplemental examination) is discussed in MPEP Chapter 2800. The sixth, seventh, and eighth ways (inter partes review, post grant review, and covered business method review) are discussed in the Office Patent Trial Practice Guide available at www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/resources.

Jump to MPEP SourceCovered Business Method Review (CBM)Inter Partes Review (IPR)Post-Grant Proceedings Under AIA

Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP

This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31