MPEP § 1611 — Issue (Annotated Rules)

§1611 Issue

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1611, 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.

Issue

This section addresses Issue. Primary authority: 37 CFR 1.161) and 37 CFR 1.161. Contains: 2 guidance statements and 1 other statement.

Key Rules

Topic

Color Drawings and Photographs

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1611-b9eff50598efd81d322b9a4b]
Better Color Drawing Selected for Patent
Note:
When a plant patent application includes color drawings, the one judged to be sharper or cleaner is chosen for printing in the patent.

The preparation of a plant patent application for issue involves the same procedure as for other applications (37 CFR 1.161), with the exception that where there are color drawings, the better one of the two judged, for example, by its sharpness or cleanliness is selected to be printed in the patent.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.161)Color Drawings and PhotographsPlant Patent DrawingsPlant Patent Practice
Topic

Plant Patents and International Treaties

1 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1611-cd16e53f4ad74246498b8728]
Plant Patent Issue Classification Requires Latest IPC Symbols
Note:
All plant patent applications sent to issue must include the most recent International Patent Classification symbols on the Issue Classification form.

The International Patent Classification symbols, most recent edition, should be placed on the Issue Classification form of all plant patent applications being sent to issue.

Jump to MPEP SourcePlant Patents and International TreatiesPlant Patent Practice
Topic

Plant Patent Practice

1 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1611-e1869a1bc517588b532cc8c1]
Abstract Required for Plant Patent Applications
Note:
Plant patent applications must include an abstract when allowed.

All plant patent applications should contain an abstract when allowed.

Jump to MPEP SourcePlant Patent Practice

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Color Drawings and Photographs37 CFR § 1.161

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