MPEP § 901.06 — Nonpatent Publications (Annotated Rules)

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 901.06, 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.

Nonpatent Publications

This section addresses Nonpatent Publications. Primary authority: 37 CFR 2128.02.

Key Rules

Permitted Actions (2)

MPEP GuidancePermittedAlways
[mpep-901-06-e78487b944d5465d36bb5de7]
References Use Publication Date
Note:
All printed publications can be used as references, with the date of publication being cited.

All printed publications may be used as references, the date to be cited being the publication date. See MPEP § 2128§ 2128.02.

MPEP GuidancePermittedAlways
[mpep-901-06-4ef0f880bc809586087ce5c0]
Copies of Non-patent Literature Can Be Requested from STIC Facilities
Note:
This rule allows requesting copies of non-patent literature from the Electronic Information Center in each Technology Center. Refer to MPEP § 707.05(e) for citation guidelines.

The Scientific and Technical Information Center (STIC) maintains an Electronic Information Center (EIC) or Library in each Technology Center. Copies of non-patent literature can be requested from these facilities. See MPEP § 707.05(e) for information on how to cite such publications.

Definitions & Scope (1)

MPEP GuidanceInformativeAlways
[mpep-901-06-27884fe21d466b1e9f343d82]
Electronic Information Center Required for Each Technology Center
Note:
The Scientific and Technical Information Center must maintain an Electronic Information Center in each Technology Center to provide access to non-patent literature.

The Scientific and Technical Information Center (STIC) maintains an Electronic Information Center (EIC) or Library in each Technology Center. Copies of non-patent literature can be requested from these facilities. See MPEP § 707.05(e) for information on how to cite such publications.

Citations

Primary topicCitation
37 CFR § 2128.02
MPEP § 2128
MPEP § 707.05(e)

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: 2026-01-17