MPEP § 2165.02 — Best Mode Requirement Compared to Enablement Requirement (Annotated Rules)
§2165.02 Best Mode Requirement Compared to Enablement Requirement
This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 2165.02, 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.
Best Mode Requirement Compared to Enablement Requirement
This section addresses Best Mode Requirement Compared to Enablement Requirement. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 112(a) and 35 U.S.C. 112. Contains: 2 statements.
Key Rules
Best Mode Under AIA
The best mode requirement is a separate and distinct requirement from the enablement requirement of 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112. In re Newton, 414 F.2d 1400, 163 USPQ 34 (CCPA 1969).
35 U.S.C. 112 – Disclosure Requirements
The best mode provision of 35 U.S.C. 112 is not directed to a situation where the application fails to set forth any mode — such failure is equivalent to nonenablement. In re Glass, 492 F.2d 1228, 181 USPQ 31 (CCPA 1974).
Citations
| Primary topic | Citation |
|---|---|
| 35 U.S.C. 112 – Disclosure Requirements Best Mode Under AIA | 35 U.S.C. § 112 |
| Best Mode Under AIA | 35 U.S.C. § 112(a) |
| 35 U.S.C. 112 – Disclosure Requirements | In re Glass, 492 F.2d 1228, 181 USPQ 31 (CCPA 1974) |
| Best Mode Under AIA | In re Newton, 414 F.2d 1400, 163 USPQ 34 (CCPA 1969) |
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.
Official MPEP § 2165.02 — Best Mode Requirement Compared to Enablement Requirement
Source: USPTO2165.02 Best Mode Requirement Compared to Enablement Requirement [R-07.2022]
The best mode requirement is a separate and distinct requirement from the enablement requirement of 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112. In reNewton, 414 F.2d 1400, 163 USPQ 34 (CCPA 1969).
The best mode provision of 35 U.S.C. 112 is not directed to a situation where the application fails to set forth any mode — such failure is equivalent to nonenablement. In reGlass, 492 F.2d 1228, 181 USPQ 31 (CCPA 1974).
The enablement requirement looks to placing the subject matter of the claims generally in the possession of the public. “If, however, the applicant [inventor] develops specific instrumentalities or techniques which are recognized by the [inventor] at the time of filing as the best way of carrying out the invention, then the best mode requirement imposes an obligation to disclose that information to the public as well.” Spectra-Physics, Inc.v.Coherent, Inc., 827 F.2d 1524, 1532, 3 USPQ 2d 1737, 1742 (Fed. Cir. 1987), cert. denied, 484 U.S. 954 (1987).