How does the Background of the Invention relate to the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)?
The Background of the Invention, specifically the Field of Invention part, can relate to the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) in the following way: According to MPEP 608.01(c), “This statement may include a paraphrasing of the applicable Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) definitions.” This means that when describing the field of the invention, applicants can use the…
Read MoreIs the Background of the Invention section mandatory in a patent application?
No, the Background of the Invention section is not mandatory in a patent application. According to MPEP 608.01(c), “The Background of the Invention may (but is not required to) include the following parts…” This means that while it’s common and often beneficial to include this section, it’s not a strict requirement for a patent application.…
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