MPEP § 801 — Introduction (Annotated Rules)

§801 Introduction

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 801, 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.

Introduction

This section addresses Introduction. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 1450 and 37 CFR 1504.06. Contains: 1 permission and 3 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Reissue and Reexamination

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-801-e987efb7e3f92437a6f8d0cb]
General Principles Apply to Design Applications Except as Noted
Note:
The general principles in this chapter apply to design applications, but exceptions are noted in MPEP sections 1504.05 and 1504.06.

The general principles set forth in this chapter apply to design applications, except as identified in MPEP § 1504.05 and § 1504.06. The general principles set forth in this chapter apply to reissue applications, however see MPEP § 803.05 and § 1450 for a discussion of the prerequisites to making a restriction requirement in reissue applications. With regard to reexamination proceedings, restriction is not permitted. Basic principles of double patenting apply to reexamination proceedings, as explained in this chapter and in MPEP Chapters 2200 and 2600 (see especially MPEP § 2258).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1504.06Reissue and ReexaminationConcurrent Reissue ProceedingsReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-801-378d2c51daf744c69b6297f0]
Restriction Not Permitted in Reexamination Proceedings
Note:
Reexamination proceedings do not allow for the requirement of restriction between inventions.

The general principles set forth in this chapter apply to design applications, except as identified in MPEP § 1504.05 and § 1504.06. The general principles set forth in this chapter apply to reissue applications, however see MPEP § 803.05 and § 1450 for a discussion of the prerequisites to making a restriction requirement in reissue applications. With regard to reexamination proceedings, restriction is not permitted. Basic principles of double patenting apply to reexamination proceedings, as explained in this chapter and in MPEP Chapters 2200 and 2600 (see especially MPEP § 2258).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1504.06Reissue and ReexaminationConcurrent Reissue ProceedingsReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-801-d4b77182d31e54302745b09e]
Basic Principles of Double Patenting Apply to Reexamination
Note:
The fundamental rules for double patenting must be followed during reexamination proceedings.

The general principles set forth in this chapter apply to design applications, except as identified in MPEP § 1504.05 and § 1504.06. The general principles set forth in this chapter apply to reissue applications, however see MPEP § 803.05 and § 1450 for a discussion of the prerequisites to making a restriction requirement in reissue applications. With regard to reexamination proceedings, restriction is not permitted. Basic principles of double patenting apply to reexamination proceedings, as explained in this chapter and in MPEP Chapters 2200 and 2600 (see especially MPEP § 2258).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1504.06Reissue and ReexaminationConcurrent Reissue ProceedingsReissue Patent Practice
Topic

International Searching Authority (ISA)

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-801-7e2c7f250c18cfa46820adb1]
Requirement for Restriction and Double Patenting in National Applications
Note:
This rule outlines the requirements for handling restriction and double patenting in national applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a).

This chapter is limited to a discussion of the subjects of restriction and double patenting under Title 35 of the United States Code and Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations as it relates to national applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a). The discussion of unity of invention under the Patent Cooperation Treaty Articles and Rules as it is applied as an International Searching Authority, International Preliminary Examining Authority, and in applications entering the National Stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 as a Designated or Elected Office in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is covered in MPEP Chapter 1800.

Jump to MPEP SourceInternational Searching Authority (ISA)Amendments in National StageUnity of Invention Standard
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-801-431371cfc6aded54d11fb57d]
Requirement for Unity of Invention Under PCT
Note:
The rule outlines the requirement for unity of invention when applying the Patent Cooperation Treaty as an International Searching Authority, International Preliminary Examining Authority, and in National Stage applications under 35 U.S.C. 371.

This chapter is limited to a discussion of the subjects of restriction and double patenting under Title 35 of the United States Code and Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations as it relates to national applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a). The discussion of unity of invention under the Patent Cooperation Treaty Articles and Rules as it is applied as an International Searching Authority, International Preliminary Examining Authority, and in applications entering the National Stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 as a Designated or Elected Office in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is covered in MPEP Chapter 1800.

Jump to MPEP SourceInternational Searching Authority (ISA)Amendments in National StageUnity of Invention Standard
Topic

Amendments in National Stage

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-801-50f4e90edaf8b500cc128d4b]
Guidance for National Stage Applications Under 371
Note:
Provides guidance on substantive and procedural matters applicable to national stage patent applications submitted under 35 U.S.C. 371.

See MPEP § 823 for a summary of the guidance set forth in this chapter with regard to other substantive and procedural matters that generally apply to national stage applications submitted under 35 U.S.C. 371.

Jump to MPEP SourceAmendments in National StageNational Stage ExaminationPatent Cooperation Treaty
Topic

Reissue Patent Practice

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-801-bdeb4ef4832b9ffb9bb23b66]
Principles for Reissue Applications
Note:
The general principles apply to reissue applications, but see specific sections for restriction requirements and double patenting in reexamination proceedings.

The general principles set forth in this chapter apply to design applications, except as identified in MPEP § 1504.05 and § 1504.06. The general principles set forth in this chapter apply to reissue applications, however see MPEP § 803.05 and § 1450 for a discussion of the prerequisites to making a restriction requirement in reissue applications. With regard to reexamination proceedings, restriction is not permitted. Basic principles of double patenting apply to reexamination proceedings, as explained in this chapter and in MPEP Chapters 2200 and 2600 (see especially MPEP § 2258).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1504.06Reissue Patent PracticeReissue and ReexaminationConcurrent Reissue Proceedings

Citations

Primary topicCitation
International Searching Authority (ISA)35 U.S.C. § 111(a)
Reissue Patent Practice
Reissue and Reexamination
35 U.S.C. § 1450
Amendments in National Stage
International Searching Authority (ISA)
35 U.S.C. § 371
Reissue Patent Practice
Reissue and Reexamination
37 CFR § 1504.06
Reissue Patent Practice
Reissue and Reexamination
MPEP § 1504.05
Reissue Patent Practice
Reissue and Reexamination
MPEP § 2258
Reissue Patent Practice
Reissue and Reexamination
MPEP § 803.05
Amendments in National StageMPEP § 823

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