How does the presence of reserved sections like MPEP 404 affect patent examination?

The presence of reserved sections like MPEP 404 does not directly affect patent examination. These sections are placeholders and do not contain any substantive information or guidance for examiners. However, their existence may indirectly impact the examination process in the following ways:

• They maintain consistent numbering in the MPEP, aiding navigation and referencing
• They allow for future expansion of examination guidelines without major restructuring
• They serve as potential indicators of areas where the USPTO may develop new policies or procedures

Patent examiners rely on active, non-reserved sections of the MPEP, current USPTO policies, and relevant laws and regulations to conduct examinations.