How does MPEP 2401 relate to the broader context of biotechnology patents?
This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.
MPEP 2401 serves as an introduction to the broader context of biotechnology patents by highlighting two critical aspects:
- Biological material deposits
- Sequence disclosures
As stated in MPEP 2401:
“This chapter provides guidance on the practices and procedures pertaining to the rules for deposits of biological materials for patent purposes ( 37 CFR 1.801 – 1.809 ) and the rules for the requirements for patent applications containing nucleotide sequence and/or amino acid sequence disclosures ( 37 CFR 1.821 – 1.825 and 37 CFR 1.831 – 1.835 ).”
This introduction sets the stage for more detailed discussions in subsequent sections, emphasizing the unique requirements and considerations for biotechnology inventions in the patent system.