Can prophetic examples be used to satisfy the enablement requirement?

Yes, prophetic examples can be used to satisfy the enablement requirement in patent applications. The MPEP 2164.02 provides guidance on this:

“Compliance with the enablement requirement of 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph, does not turn on whether an example is disclosed. An example may be “working” or “prophetic.””

However, it’s important to note that prophetic examples must still provide sufficient detail to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention without undue experimentation. The credibility and plausibility of prophetic examples are considered in the context of the entire disclosure.

Prophetic Examples Must Be Described in Future Tense MPEP 2164.02 Permitted
Prophetic Examples Must Use Future/Present Tense MPEP 2164.02 Recommended
Specification Must Not Rely Solely on Prophetic Examples MPEP 2164.02 Recommended
Absence of Examples Does Not Render Invention Non-Enabled MPEP 2164.02 Informative
Working Examples Not Sole Basis for Enablement Rejection MPEP 2164.02 Recommended