MPEP § 2310.02 — Definitions (Annotated Rules)

§2310.02 Definitions

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 2310.02, 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: 37 CFR 1.68 and 37 CFR 42.2. Contains: 1 requirement and 1 other statement.

Key Rules

Topic

Estoppel After Judgment

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2310-02-9e4c0ed45cacd646ae2cc693]
Panel of Board Required for Final Written Decisions
Note:
A panel of the Board must issue final written decisions under sections 35 U.S.C. 135(d), 318(a), and 328(a).

(2) For final written decisions under 35 U.S.C. 135(d), 318(a), and 328(a), a panel of the Board.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 42.2Estoppel After JudgmentPTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case Procedures
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2310-02-d4a65ee8a3f5cdc31426c3cc]
Final Decision for Judicial Review
Note:
A decision is final for judicial review purposes if it resolves all necessary issues and does not require further action.

Final means final for the purpose of judicial review to the extent available. A decision is final only if it disposes of all necessary issues with regard to the party seeking judicial review, and does not indicate that further action is required.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 42.2Estoppel After JudgmentPTAB Contested Case Procedures
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2310-02-d749fb7de606fbe846b2d7a5]
Decision Must Resolve All Issues for Judicial Review
Note:
A decision is final only if it addresses all necessary issues for the party seeking judicial review and does not indicate further action is required.

Final means final for the purpose of judicial review to the extent available. A decision is final only if it disposes of all necessary issues with regard to the party seeking judicial review, and does not indicate that further action is required.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 42.2Estoppel After JudgmentPTAB Contested Case Procedures
Topic

Key Changes Under AIA

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2310-02-52caa2ed4ae9906112804eb0]
Trials Include Derivation, Inter Partes Review, Post-Grant Review, and Business Method Reviews Under AIA
Note:
This rule defines trials to include derivation proceedings, inter partes reviews, post-grant reviews, and transitional business-method reviews under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act.

Trial means a contested case instituted by the Board based upon a petition. A trial begins with a written decision notifying the petitioner and patent owner of the institution of the trial. The term trial specifically includes a derivation proceeding under 35 U.S.C. 135; an inter partes review under Chapter 31 of title 35, United States Code; a post-grant review under Chapter 32 of title 35,United States Code; and a transitional business-method review under section 18 of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. Patent interferences are administered under part 41 and not under part 42 of this title, and therefore are not trials.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 42.2Key Changes Under AIAInter Partes Review (IPR)Post-Grant Review (PGR)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2310-02-a1f0a851e11b1aac48b1550b]
Patent Interferences Are Not Trials
Note:
Patent interferences are governed by part 41 and do not constitute trials under the patent law.

Trial means a contested case instituted by the Board based upon a petition. A trial begins with a written decision notifying the petitioner and patent owner of the institution of the trial. The term trial specifically includes a derivation proceeding under 35 U.S.C. 135; an inter partes review under Chapter 31 of title 35, United States Code; a post-grant review under Chapter 32 of title 35,United States Code; and a transitional business-method review under section 18 of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. Patent interferences are administered under part 41 and not under part 42 of this title, and therefore are not trials.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 42.2Key Changes Under AIAInter Partes Review (IPR)Post-Grant Review (PGR)
Topic

PTAB Jurisdiction

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2310-02-1d6faab3c36dced30bd0460d]
Trial Is Initiated by Board Based on Petition
Note:
A trial is a contested case started by the Board in response to a petition.

Trial means a contested case instituted by the Board based upon a petition. A trial begins with a written decision notifying the petitioner and patent owner of the institution of the trial. The term trial specifically includes a derivation proceeding under 35 U.S.C. 135; an inter partes review under Chapter 31 of title 35, United States Code; a post-grant review under Chapter 32 of title 35,United States Code; and a transitional business-method review under section 18 of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. Patent interferences are administered under part 41 and not under part 42 of this title, and therefore are not trials.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 42.2PTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresKey Changes Under AIA
Topic

Inter Partes Review (IPR)

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2310-02-eb7aba639d70eafa25ca73d6]
Petitioner and Patent Owner Notified of Inter Partes Review Institution
Note:
The Board must notify the petitioner and patent owner in writing when an inter partes review is initiated.

Trial means a contested case instituted by the Board based upon a petition. A trial begins with a written decision notifying the petitioner and patent owner of the institution of the trial. The term trial specifically includes a derivation proceeding under 35 U.S.C. 135; an inter partes review under Chapter 31 of title 35, United States Code; a post-grant review under Chapter 32 of title 35,United States Code; and a transitional business-method review under section 18 of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. Patent interferences are administered under part 41 and not under part 42 of this title, and therefore are not trials.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 42.2Inter Partes Review (IPR)Key Changes Under AIAPost-Grant Review (PGR)

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Inter Partes Review (IPR)
Key Changes Under AIA
PTAB Jurisdiction
35 U.S.C. § 135
Estoppel After Judgment35 U.S.C. § 135(d)
37 CFR § 1.68

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