MPEP § 2301.02 — Definitions (Annotated Rules)

§2301.02 Definitions

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 2301.02, 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.

Definitions

This section addresses Definitions. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 102(g)(1), 35 U.S.C. 119, and 37 CFR 41.2. Contains: 9 requirements, 1 permission, and 3 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

PTAB Jurisdiction

7 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2301-02-e72423874cc8eb8382aa1ac7]
Board Members Include Key USPTO Officials and Judges
Note:
This rule defines board members as including the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property, Deputy Under Secretary, Commissioners for Patents and Trademarks, and administrative patent judges.

Unless otherwise clear from the context, the following definitions apply to proceedings under this part Board member means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Commissioner for Patents, the Commissioner for Trademarks, and the administrative patent judges.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.2PTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresEx Parte Appeals to PTAB
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2301-02-0c2889d6efd68eb6b75ef777]
At Least Three Board Members Required for Panel Proceeding
Note:
A panel proceeding requires at least three Board members to act together.

Unless otherwise clear from the context, the following definitions apply to proceedings under this part Panel means at least three Board members acting in a panel proceeding.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.2PTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresEx Parte Appeals to PTAB
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2301-02-d6c7a3d140f3bf97446de992]
Counsel for Parties Required in Board Proceedings
Note:
Parties must have counsel unless otherwise clear from the context.

Unless otherwise clear from the context, the following definitions apply to proceedings under this part:
Party, in this part, means any entity participating in a Board proceeding, other than officers and employees of the Office, including:

(4) Counsel for any of the above, where context permits.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.2PTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresEx Parte Appeals to PTAB
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2301-02-42eca1dac5cffd05c5238e69]
Patent Interference Pendency Not More Than Two Years
Note:
Patent interferences must be processed such that the time before the Board does not exceed two years.

(c) Patent interferences shall be administered such that pendency before the Board is normally no more than two years.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.200PTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresEx Parte Appeals to PTAB
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2301-02-82b4ab35aea2e4885b4ea89f]
Board Recognition of Constructive Reduction to Practice
Note:
The Board must recognize a patent application as providing a proper constructive reduction to practice under 35 U.S.C. 102(g)(1).

Accord benefit means Board recognition that a patent application provides a proper constructive reduction to practice under 35 U.S.C. 102(g)(1).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.201PTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresEx Parte Appeals to PTAB
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2301-02-afec8ea5a3adc2a2b61918e0]
Description of Interfering Subject Matter for Priority
Note:
The Board’s description must set the scope of admissible proofs on priority, and each count must describe a distinct invention.

Count means the Board’s description of the interfering subject matter that sets the scope of admissible proofs on priority. Where there is more than one count, each count must describe a patentably distinct invention.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.201PTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresEx Parte Appeals to PTAB
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2301-02-c06fc3de2c40602b46018e29]
Each Count Must Describe a Distinct Invention
Note:
When there are multiple counts, each must describe a patentably distinct invention.

Count means the Board’s description of the interfering subject matter that sets the scope of admissible proofs on priority. Where there is more than one count, each count must describe a patentably distinct invention.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.201PTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresEx Parte Appeals to PTAB
Topic

PTAB Contested Case Procedures

4 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2301-02-7658ef83eae4ba7fa5c5a06d]
Types of Affidavits Required for PTAB Contested Cases
Note:
This rule defines what constitutes an affidavit in PTAB contested cases, including standard affidavits and statutory declarations.

Unless otherwise clear from the context, the following definitions apply to proceedings under this part Affidavit means affidavit, declaration under § 1.68 of this title, or statutory declaration under 28 U.S.C. 1746. A transcript of an ex parte deposition may be used as an affidavit in a contested case.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.2PTAB Contested Case Procedures
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2301-02-6b9bbfbaaabb42326991dc79]
Ex Parte Deposition Can Be Used As Affidavit In Contested Case
Note:
A transcript of an ex parte deposition may serve as an affidavit in a contested case unless otherwise specified.

Unless otherwise clear from the context, the following definitions apply to proceedings under this part Affidavit means affidavit, declaration under § 1.68 of this title, or statutory declaration under 28 U.S.C. 1746. A transcript of an ex parte deposition may be used as an affidavit in a contested case.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.2PTAB Contested Case Procedures
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2301-02-3aac6381b1580dd056262612]
Senior Party Entitled to Prior Inventor Presumption
Note:
The senior party is entitled to the presumption that they are the prior inventor, while any other party is considered a junior party.

Senior party means the party entitled to the presumption under § 41.207(a)(1) that it is the prior inventor. Any other party is a junior party.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.207(a)(1)PTAB Contested Case Procedures
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2301-02-a292421a499e9dbf6c3cbc65]
Junior Party Is Defined
Note:
This rule defines a junior party as any party other than the senior party, who is presumed to be the prior inventor under §41.207(a)(1).

Senior party means the party entitled to the presumption under § 41.207(a)(1) that it is the prior inventor. Any other party is a junior party.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.207(a)(1)PTAB Contested Case Procedures
Topic

Estoppel After Judgment

3 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2301-02-3c50146e593c70cb38d4cfbd]
Decision Final for Other Proceedings Only If Disposing of All Issues
Note:
A decision is final for other proceedings only if it disposes of all issues or explicitly states it is final.

Unless otherwise clear from the context, the following definitions apply to proceedings under this part:
Final means, with regard to a Board action, final for the purposes of judicial review. A decision is final only if:

(2) In other proceedings.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.2Estoppel After JudgmentPTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case Procedures
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2301-02-d18d27b5b54a403fc2536630]
Decision Disposes of All Issues or States It Is Final
Note:
A decision is final if it resolves all issues or explicitly states it is final.

Unless otherwise clear from the context, the following definitions apply to proceedings under this part:
Final means, with regard to a Board action, final for the purposes of judicial review. A decision is final only if:

The decision disposes of all issues or the decision states it is final.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.2Estoppel After JudgmentPTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case Procedures
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2301-02-d06501767a285cd797cb4058]
Non-Final Portion of Panel Proceeding Includes Non-Final Actions
Note:
A panel proceeding includes any non-final portion, regardless of who administers it.

Unless otherwise clear from the context, the following definitions apply to proceedings under this part Panel proceeding means a proceeding in which final action is reserved by statute to at least three Board members, but includes a non-final portion of such a proceeding whether administered by a panel or not.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.2Estoppel After JudgmentPTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case Procedures
Topic

Anticipation/Novelty

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2301-02-02c1e546f357ae2e0dae0d45]
Earliest Constructive Reduction to Practice in Patent Application
Note:
The earliest constructive reduction to practice must be continuously disclosed through a chain of patent applications, starting with the first one that includes the involved application or patent.

Constructive reduction to practice means a described and enabled anticipation under 35 U.S.C. 102(g)(1), in a patent application of the subject matter of a count. Earliest constructive reduction to practice means the first constructive reduction to practice that has been continuously disclosed through a chain of patent applications including in the involved application or patent. For the chain to be continuous, each subsequent application must comply with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 119-121, 365, or 386.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.201Anticipation/NoveltyNovelty / Prior ArtPriority and Benefit Claims
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2301-02-8435de5c21c2463a46742685]
First Continuous Disclosure of Invention Through Patent Chain
Note:
The rule defines the earliest constructive reduction to practice as the first disclosure in a continuous chain of patent applications that includes the involved application or patent.

Constructive reduction to practice means a described and enabled anticipation under 35 U.S.C. 102(g)(1), in a patent application of the subject matter of a count. Earliest constructive reduction to practice means the first constructive reduction to practice that has been continuously disclosed through a chain of patent applications including in the involved application or patent. For the chain to be continuous, each subsequent application must comply with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 119-121, 365, or 386.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.201Anticipation/NoveltyPriority and Benefit ClaimsNovelty / Prior Art
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2301-02-386fe11334e2897a78986461]
Chain of Patent Applications Must Comply with Specific Requirements
Note:
Each subsequent patent application in a chain must meet the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 119-121, 365, or 386 to maintain continuity.

Constructive reduction to practice means a described and enabled anticipation under 35 U.S.C. 102(g)(1), in a patent application of the subject matter of a count. Earliest constructive reduction to practice means the first constructive reduction to practice that has been continuously disclosed through a chain of patent applications including in the involved application or patent. For the chain to be continuous, each subsequent application must comply with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 119-121, 365, or 386.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.201Anticipation/NoveltyPriority and Benefit ClaimsNovelty / Prior Art
Topic

Inter Partes Reexamination Appeal

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2301-02-de9c1d49cbec7f419ec8b36e]
Definition of Contested Case Excluding Appeals and Petitions
Note:
This rule defines a contested case as any Board proceeding that is not an appeal under 35 U.S.C. 134 or a petition under § 41.3.

Unless otherwise clear from the context, the following definitions apply to proceedings under this part Contested case means a Board proceeding other than an appeal under 35 U.S.C. 134 or a petition under § 41.3. An appeal in an inter partes reexamination is not a contested case.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.2Inter Partes Reexamination AppealPTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case Procedures
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2301-02-260da337dc9fe2ac0ecd0f06]
Inter Partes Reexamination Appeal Is Not Contested Case
Note:
An appeal in an inter partes reexamination is not considered a contested case.

Unless otherwise clear from the context, the following definitions apply to proceedings under this part Contested case means a Board proceeding other than an appeal under 35 U.S.C. 134 or a petition under § 41.3. An appeal in an inter partes reexamination is not a contested case.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.2Inter Partes Reexamination AppealInter Partes ReexaminationPTAB Contested Case Procedures
Topic

35 U.S.C. 102 – Novelty / Prior Art

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2301-02-e9b655da13b57402f1fcc65a]
References to 35 U.S.C. 102 and 135
Note:
This rule specifies that any reference to sections 102 or 135 of the statute in this subpart refers to the version effective on March 15, 2013, unless otherwise indicated.

(b) Any reference to 35 U.S.C. 102 or 135 in this subpart refers to the statute in effect on March 15, 2013, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Any reference to 35 U.S.C. 141 or 146 in this subpart refers to the statute applicable to the involved application or patent.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.200Novelty / Prior Art
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2301-02-524944a6b03f68821aecf625]
Statute Applicable to Involved Application or Patent
Note:
This rule specifies that any reference to 35 U.S.C. 141 or 146 in this subpart refers to the statute applicable to the specific involved application or patent.

(b) Any reference to 35 U.S.C. 102 or 135 in this subpart refers to the statute in effect on March 15, 2013, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Any reference to 35 U.S.C. 141 or 146 in this subpart refers to the statute applicable to the involved application or patent.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.200Novelty / Prior Art
Topic

Declaration of Interference

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2301-02-af000df42172e9adac913c48]
Issue Depriving Opponent of Standing in Interference
Note:
An issue that, if resolved in favor of the movant, would prevent the opponent from participating in an interference proceeding.
Threshold issue means an issue that, if resolved in favor of the movant, would deprive the opponent of standing in the interference. Threshold issues may include:
  • (2) In the case of an involved application claim first made after the publication of the movant’s application or issuance of the movant’s patent:
    • (i) Repose under 35 U.S.C. 135(b) in view of the movant’s patent or published application, or
    • (ii) Unpatentability for lack of written description under 35 U. S.C. 112 of an involved application claim where the applicant suggested, or could have suggested, an interference under § 41.202(a).
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.201Declaration of InterferenceDerivation Proceedings (AIA)Interference Proceedings (Pre-AIA)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2301-02-22fbac28dca6a3e4b600bca2]
Requirement for Written Description of Claim
Note:
An involved application claim must be described in the specification with sufficient detail to support the scope and content of the claim, especially if an interference is suggested or could have been suggested.

Threshold issue means an issue that, if resolved in favor of the movant, would deprive the opponent of standing in the interference. Threshold issues may include:
(2) In the case of an involved application claim first made after the publication of the movant’s application or issuance of the movant’s patent:

(ii) Unpatentability for lack of written description under 35 U. S.C. 112 of an involved application claim where the applicant suggested, or could have suggested, an interference under § 41.202(a).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.201Declaration of InterferenceInterference Proceedings (Pre-AIA)
Topic

Commissioner for Patents

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2301-02-1eace0bc4e1fe371ab7477cb]
Definitions Apply to Proceedings
Note:
This rule defines terms used in patent trial and appeal proceedings, unless otherwise clear from the context.
Unless otherwise clear from the context, the following definitions apply to proceedings under this part:
  • Affidavit means affidavit, declaration under § 1.68 of this title, or statutory declaration under 28 U.S.C. 1746. A transcript of an ex parte deposition may be used as an affidavit in a contested case.
  • Board means the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and includes:
    • (1) For a final Board action:
      • (i) In an appeal or contested case, a panel of the Board.
      • (ii) In a proceeding under § 41.3, the Chief Administrative Patent Judge or another official acting under an express delegation from the Chief Administrative Patent Judge.
    • (2) For non-final actions, a Board member or employee acting with the authority of the Board.
  • Board member means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Commissioner for Patents, the Commissioner for Trademarks, and the administrative patent judges.
  • Contested case means a Board proceeding other than an appeal under 35 U.S.C. 134 or a petition under § 41.3. An appeal in an inter partes reexamination is not a contested case.
  • Final means, with regard to a Board action, final for the purposes of judicial review. A decision is final only if:
    • (1) In a panel proceeding. The decision is rendered by a panel, disposes of all issues with regard to the party seeking judicial review, and does not indicate that further action is required; and
    • (2) In other proceedings. The decision disposes of all issues or the decision states it is final.
  • Hearing means consideration of the issues of record. Rehearing means reconsideration.
  • Office means United States Patent and Trademark Office.
  • Panel means at least three Board members acting in a panel proceeding.
  • Panel proceeding means a proceeding in which final action is reserved by statute to at least three Board members, but includes a non-final portion of such a proceeding whether administered by a panel or not.
  • Party, in this part, means any entity participating in a Board proceeding, other than officers and employees of the Office, including:
    • (1) An appellant;
    • (2) A participant in a contested case;
    • (3) A petitioner; and
    • (4) Counsel for any of the above, where context permits.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.2Commissioner for PatentsDeputy DirectorUSPTO Officials and Their Authority
Topic

Derivation Proceedings (AIA)

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2301-02-54770a9ccd500fd25e001f6d]
Involved Claim Corresponds to Count
Note:
A claim designated as corresponding to a count in derivation proceedings must be considered under 35 U.S.C. 135(a).

Involved claim means, for the purposes of 35 U.S.C. 135(a), a claim that has been designated as corresponding to the count.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 41.201Derivation Proceedings (AIA)

Citations

Primary topicCitation
35 U.S.C. 102 – Novelty / Prior Art35 U.S.C. § 102
Anticipation/Novelty
PTAB Jurisdiction
35 U.S.C. § 102(g)(1)
Anticipation/Novelty35 U.S.C. § 119
Commissioner for Patents
Inter Partes Reexamination Appeal
35 U.S.C. § 134
Derivation Proceedings (AIA)35 U.S.C. § 135(a)
Declaration of Interference35 U.S.C. § 135(b)
35 U.S.C. 102 – Novelty / Prior Art35 U.S.C. § 141
Commissioner for Patents
PTAB Contested Case Procedures
37 CFR § 1.68
37 CFR § 41.2
Declaration of Interference37 CFR § 41.202(a)
PTAB Contested Case Procedures37 CFR § 41.207(a)(1)
Commissioner for Patents
Inter Partes Reexamination Appeal
37 CFR § 41.3

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