MPEP § 704.11(a) — Examples of Information Reasonably Required (Annotated Rules)

§704.11(a) Examples of Information Reasonably Required

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 704.11(a), 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.

Examples of Information Reasonably Required

This section addresses Examples of Information Reasonably Required. Primary authority: 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i). Contains: 1 requirement, 1 permission, and 7 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Statutory Authority for Examination

15 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-0a39afbe5a5247a088b5772b]
Trade Name of Embodied Goods/Services Required for Examination
Note:
The trade name of any goods or services embodied in the claimed subject matter must be provided for examination of an application.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:

(B) The trade name of any goods or services the claimed subject matter is embodied in.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresRequirement for Information (37 CFR 1.105)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-a77f19e2b7d456f77af730f6]
Requirement for Advertising and Promotional Literature
Note:
The rule requires providing citations, initial publication dates, and copies of any advertising and promotional literature related to the claimed goods or services.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:

(C) The citation for, the dates initially published and copies of any advertising and promotional literature prepared for any goods or services the claimed subject matter has been embodied in.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresRequirement for Information (37 CFR 1.105)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-ce4f053b86d7d2f4f5aa210c]
Citation for Journal Articles Describing Embodied Goods or Services Must Be Provided
Note:
The requirement mandates providing citations and copies of any journal articles that describe the goods or services embodied in the claimed subject matter.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:

(D) The citation for and copies of any journal articles describing any goods or services the claimed subject matter has been embodied in.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresRequirement for Information (37 CFR 1.105)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-cbacf878e516e87ed6d6f53a]
Trade Names and Providers of Competing Goods/Services Required for Examination
Note:
The trade names and providers of any goods or services in competition with the claimed subject matter must be disclosed during examination.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:

(E) The trade names and providers of any goods or services in competition with the goods or services the claimed subject matter has been embodied in.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresRequirement for Information (37 CFR 1.105)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-35442cef70f2bec9d0652f4d]
Identification of Changes Required for Reformatted Continuation Applications
Note:
The identification of changes made in a reformatted continuing application filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b) must be provided.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:

(J) The identification of changes made in a reformatted continuing application filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresApplication Types and Filing
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-0a50e8b24c75a2c0a1c4aadd]
Markup Required for Added Subject Matter in Continuation-In-Part Applications
Note:
A mark-up showing the added subject matter is required for continuation-in-part applications where there is an intervening reference.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:

(K) A mark-up for a continuation-in-part application showing the subject matter added where there is an intervening reference.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresRequirement for Information (37 CFR 1.105)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-9cadc6e818db6e6b17231f0b]
Art Related to Invention Must Be Disclosed
Note:
The application must include art related to the claimed invention, applicant’s disclosure, or the claimed subject matter for examination purposes.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:

(O) Art related to the claimed invention, applicant’s disclosure, or the claimed subject matter.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresRequirement for Information (37 CFR 1.105)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-fa971704242229637c0ce32d]
Requirement for Common Technical Features Among Claims
Note:
The rule requires specifying common technical features shared among all claims or admitting that certain groups of claims do not share any common technical features.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:
(S) Interrogatories or Stipulations. (1) Of the common technical features shared among all claims, or admission that certain groups of claims do not share any common technical features,

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresRequirement for Information (37 CFR 1.105)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-8ed5caa7b3b1c6c99c63c240]
Support for Means or Steps Plus Function Claims Required
Note:
The disclosure must support means or steps plus function claims as required by 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:
(S) Interrogatories or Stipulations.

(2) About the support found in the disclosure for means or steps plus function claims (35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6),

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-b5dc36f8c627542cac354046]
Disclosure Must Support Specific Claim Elements
Note:
The rule requires that the specific portions of the disclosure must provide written description and enablement support for each claim element.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:
(S) Interrogatories or Stipulations.

(3) Of precisely which portion(s) of the disclosure provide the written description and enablement support for specific claim element(s),

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresRequirement for Information (37 CFR 1.105)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-96f4dd1c00c3a3b4a873c844]
Meaning of Claim Terms Must Be Defined
Note:
The rule requires defining the meaning of claim terms, including how prior art teachings and dictionary definitions apply to specific claim limitations.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:
(S) Interrogatories or Stipulations.

(4) Of the meaning of claim limitations or terms used in the claims, such as what teachings in the prior art would be covered by particular limitations or terms in a claim and which dictionary definitions would define a particular claim term, particularly where those terms are not used per se in the specification,

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination Procedures
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-5c92bba7d53c8b145c9c3802]
Specific Utility Must Be Disclosed Claim-by-Claim
Note:
The claimed subject matter's specific utility must be described claim-by-claim for examination purposes.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:
(S) Interrogatories or Stipulations.

(6) Of the specific utility provided by the claimed subject matter on a claim-by-claim basis,

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresRequirement for Information (37 CFR 1.105)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-99b6ea5eef48516b1c0d1b59]
Requirement for Determining Prior Art Status of Dependent Claim Elements
Note:
The examiner must have a reasonable basis to determine if dependent claim elements are known in the prior art.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:
(S) Interrogatories or Stipulations.

(7) As to whether a dependent claim element is known in the prior art based on the examiner having a reasonable basis for believing so,

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresRequirement for Information (37 CFR 1.105)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-1f4a81ddcf752c83f1131fd5]
Information Required for Third-Party Submissions Under 37 CFR 1.290
Note:
The rule requires applicants to provide information regarding third-party submissions under 37 CFR 1.290, but prohibits examiners from requesting such information directly from the submitting party.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:

(T) Information from the applicant regarding a third-party submission under 37 CFR 1.290.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresPTAB Contested Case Procedures
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-5fb329aeb8dd8372f21b84bd]
Requirement for Information from Third Party Prohibited
Note:
Examiners may not request information from the party that submitted a paper under 37 CFR 1.290.

37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:

In no circumstance may an examiner direct a requirement for information to the third party that submitted the paper under 37 CFR 1.290. See MPEP § 1134.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresRequirement for Information (37 CFR 1.105)
Topic

Examiner Action on Protest

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-704-11-a-0cc185b012805b145c3aaab0]
Examples of Information Reasonably Required for Examination
Note:
Provides examples of information that may be required by an examiner during the patent application examination process.
37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)-(viii) list specific examples of information that may be reasonably required. Other examples, not meant to be exhaustive, of information that may be reasonably required for examination of an application include:
  • (A) The name and citation of any particularly relevant indexed journal, or treatise.
  • (B) The trade name of any goods or services the claimed subject matter is embodied in.
  • (C) The citation for, the dates initially published and copies of any advertising and promotional literature prepared for any goods or services the claimed subject matter has been embodied in.
  • (D) The citation for and copies of any journal articles describing any goods or services the claimed subject matter has been embodied in.
  • (E) The trade names and providers of any goods or services in competition with the goods or services the claimed subject matter has been embodied in.
  • (F) Any written descriptions or analyses, prepared by any of the inventors or assignees, of goods or services in competition with the goods or services the claimed subject matter has been embodied in.
  • (G) Identification of pending or abandoned applications filed by at least one of the inventors or assigned to the same assignee as the current application that disclose similar subject matter that are not otherwise identified in the current application. Regarding the identification of applications filed before June 8, 1995, 35 U.S.C. 122(a) requires the identified applications to be kept in confidence by the Office and no information concerning the same is to be given without authority of the applicant or owner unless necessary to carry out the provisions of an Act of Congress or in such special circumstances as may be determined by the Director. See MPEP § 103 and Hyatt v. United States Patent and Trademark Office, No. 1:13-cv-1535 (E.D. Va., May 29, 2014) (2014 WL 2446176).
  • (H) A reply to a matter raised in a protest under 37 CFR 1.291.
  • (I) An explanation of technical material in a publication, such as one of the inventor’s publications.
  • (J) The identification of changes made in a reformatted continuing application filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b).
  • (K) A mark-up for a continuation-in-part application showing the subject matter added where there is an intervening reference.
  • (L) Comments on a new decision by the Federal Circuit that appears on point.
  • (M) The publication date of an undated document mentioned by applicant that may qualify as printed publication prior art (35 U.S.C. 102(a) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a) or (b)).
  • (N) Comments on information of record which raises a question of whether the inventor derived the invention from another under 35 U.S.C. 101 and 115, and pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(f).
  • (O) Art related to the claimed invention, applicant’s disclosure, or the claimed subject matter.
  • (P) Other factual information pertinent to patentability.
  • (Q) The accuracy of the examiner’s stated analysis of such items.
  • (R) Clarification of the correlation and identification of what structure, material, or acts set forth in the specification would be capable of carrying out a function recited in a means or steps plus function claim limitation. If it is not apparent to the examiner where in the specification and drawings there is support for a particular claim limitation reciting a means to accomplish a function, and if an inquiry by the examiner for such support is met by a stated lack of knowledge thereof by the applicant, the examiner could very well conclude that there is no such support and make appropriate rejections under, for example, 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph (written description) and 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, second paragraph.
  • (S) Interrogatories or Stipulations.
    • (1) Of the common technical features shared among all claims, or admission that certain groups of claims do not share any common technical features,
    • (2) About the support found in the disclosure for means or steps plus function claims (35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6),
    • (3) Of precisely which portion(s) of the disclosure provide the written description and enablement support for specific claim element(s),
    • (4) Of the meaning of claim limitations or terms used in the claims, such as what teachings in the prior art would be covered by particular limitations or terms in a claim and which dictionary definitions would define a particular claim term, particularly where those terms are not used per se in the specification,
    • (5) Of which portions of each claim correspond to any admitted prior art in the specification,
    • (6) Of the specific utility provided by the claimed subject matter on a claim-by-claim basis,
    • (7) As to whether a dependent claim element is known in the prior art based on the examiner having a reasonable basis for believing so,
    • (8) Of support for added limitations in an amended claim,
    • (9) Of facts related to public use or sale situations.
  • (T) Information from the applicant regarding a third-party submission under 37 CFR 1.290. In no circumstance may an examiner direct a requirement for information to the third party that submitted the paper under 37 CFR 1.290. See MPEP § 1134.
  • (U) Information from the applicant regarding rescission of a statement under 37 CFR 1.55 or 1.78. See MPEP § 704.14(a) for form paragraph 7.104.02.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105(a)(1)(i)Examiner Action on ProtestStatutory Authority for ExaminationProtest Content and Evidence

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Examiner Action on Protest35 U.S.C. § 101
Examiner Action on Protest35 U.S.C. § 102(a)
Examiner Action on Protest35 U.S.C. § 102(f)
Examiner Action on Protest
Statutory Authority for Examination
35 U.S.C. § 112
Examiner Action on Protest35 U.S.C. § 112(a)
Examiner Action on Protest35 U.S.C. § 112(b)
Examiner Action on Protest
Statutory Authority for Examination
35 U.S.C. § 112(f)
Examiner Action on Protest35 U.S.C. § 122(a)
Examiner Action on Protest
Statutory Authority for Examination
37 CFR § 1.105(a)(1)(i)
Examiner Action on Protest
Statutory Authority for Examination
37 CFR § 1.290
Examiner Action on Protest37 CFR § 1.291
Examiner Action on Protest
Statutory Authority for Examination
37 CFR § 1.53(b)
Examiner Action on Protest37 CFR § 1.55
Examiner Action on ProtestMPEP § 103
Examiner Action on Protest
Statutory Authority for Examination
MPEP § 1134
Examiner Action on ProtestMPEP § 704.14(a)
Examiner Action on ProtestForm Paragraph § 7.104.02

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