MPEP § 2173.05(m) — Prolix (Annotated Rules)

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 2173.05(m), 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.

Prolix

This section addresses Prolix.

Key Rules

Mandatory Requirements (2)

MPEP GuidanceRecommendedAlways
[mpep-2173-05-m-a507760be2ee7d089be7441b]
Claims Must Not Include Unnecessary Details
Note:
Examiners should reject claims that contain excessive details which make the invention's scope unclear.

Examiners should reject claims as prolix only when they contain such long recitations or unimportant details that the scope of the claimed invention is rendered indefinite thereby. Claims are rejected as prolix when they contain long recitations that the metes and bounds of the claimed subject matter cannot be determined.

MPEP GuidanceProhibitedAlways
[mpep-2173-05-m-1f10d5d0f90cf94fd9b21eee]
Claims Must Clearly Define Scope
Note:
Claims are rejected if they contain overly long descriptions that make it unclear what is covered by the invention.

Examiners should reject claims as prolix only when they contain such long recitations or unimportant details that the scope of the claimed invention is rendered indefinite thereby. Claims are rejected as prolix when they contain long recitations that the metes and bounds of the claimed subject matter cannot be determined.

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