MPEP § 713.08 — Demonstration, Exhibits, Models (Annotated Rules)

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 713.08, 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.

Demonstration, Exhibits, Models

This section addresses Demonstration, Exhibits, Models. Primary authority: 37 CFR 1.91, 37 CFR 1.91), and 37 CFR 1.133(b).

Key Rules

Mandatory Requirements (1)

StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-713-08-941db400ed5a515f7077a04f]
Application Must Describe Demonstrated Features
Note:
A full description of any demonstrated features must be included in the application to comply with 37 CFR 1.133(b).

If the model or exhibit is merely used for demonstration purpose during the course of the interview, it will not be made part of the record (does not comply with 37 CFR 1.91). A full description as to what was demonstrated/exhibited must be made of record in the application. See 37 CFR 1.133(b). Demonstrations of apparatus or exhibits too large to be brought into the Office may be viewed by the examiner outside of the Office (in the Washington, D.C. area) with the approval of the supervisory patent examiner. It is presumed that the witnessing of the demonstration or the reviewing of the exhibit is actually essential in the developing and clarifying of the issues involved in the application.

Exceptions & Carve-Outs (1)

StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-713-08-50353e81e3d71116d00ed80d]
Model or Exhibit Submission Requirement
Note:
A model or exhibit submitted by the applicant must comply with specific requirements to be included in the application record.

The invention in question may be exhibited or demonstrated during the interview by a model or exhibit thereof. A model or exhibit will not generally be admitted as part of the record of an application. See 37 CFR 1.91. However, a model or exhibit submitted by the applicant which complies with 37 CFR 1.91 would be made part of the application record. See MPEP §§ 608.03 and 608.03(a).

Permitted Actions (2)

StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-713-08-2890cebc47807c7515ed2101]
Model or Exhibit May Be Demonstrated During Interview
Note:
An invention may be shown using a model or exhibit during an interview, but such models or exhibits are not generally part of the application record.

The invention in question may be exhibited or demonstrated during the interview by a model or exhibit thereof. A model or exhibit will not generally be admitted as part of the record of an application. See 37 CFR 1.91. However, a model or exhibit submitted by the applicant which complies with 37 CFR 1.91 would be made part of the application record. See MPEP §§ 608.03 and 608.03(a).

StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-713-08-7f6cac8170a908a5dc5906fe]
Demonstrations of Large Exhibits Outside Office with Approval
Note:
Examiners may view large apparatus demonstrations outside the office in Washington, D.C., with supervisory approval, as essential for application clarification.

If the model or exhibit is merely used for demonstration purpose during the course of the interview, it will not be made part of the record (does not comply with 37 CFR 1.91). A full description as to what was demonstrated/exhibited must be made of record in the application. See 37 CFR 1.133(b). Demonstrations of apparatus or exhibits too large to be brought into the Office may be viewed by the examiner outside of the Office (in the Washington, D.C. area) with the approval of the supervisory patent examiner. It is presumed that the witnessing of the demonstration or the reviewing of the exhibit is actually essential in the developing and clarifying of the issues involved in the application.

Definitions & Scope (1)

StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-713-08-f89edde00c7467f14113b8aa]
Demonstration Models/Exhibits Not Recorded
Note:
If a model or exhibit is used solely for demonstration during an interview, it will not be included in the record. A detailed description of the demonstration must be made part of the application.

If the model or exhibit is merely used for demonstration purpose during the course of the interview, it will not be made part of the record (does not comply with 37 CFR 1.91). A full description as to what was demonstrated/exhibited must be made of record in the application. See 37 CFR 1.133(b). Demonstrations of apparatus or exhibits too large to be brought into the Office may be viewed by the examiner outside of the Office (in the Washington, D.C. area) with the approval of the supervisory patent examiner. It is presumed that the witnessing of the demonstration or the reviewing of the exhibit is actually essential in the developing and clarifying of the issues involved in the application.

Citations

Primary topicCitation
37 CFR § 1.133(b)
37 CFR § 1.91
MPEP § 608.03

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