How does MPEP 704 relate to prior art searches?

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 704 provides guidelines for patent examiners on conducting thorough prior art searches. These searches are crucial for determining the novelty and non-obviousness of a patent application. The section emphasizes the importance of comprehensive searches to identify relevant prior art that may affect the patentability of claimed inventions.

While the specific search procedures are not detailed in the given excerpt, MPEP 704 typically covers various search strategies, databases, and resources that examiners should utilize to ensure a thorough examination of the prior art landscape.