What happens to exhibits that do not comply with USPTO requirements?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has specific guidelines for handling exhibits that do not meet the required standards. According to MPEP 715.07(d) , “Exhibits that do not comply with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.91 will be disposed of or returned to applicant at the discretion of the Office.” This means that if an exhibit fails to meet the criteria outlined in 37 CFR 1.91 , the USPTO has the authority to either discard the exhibit or send it back to the applicant, depending on what they deem appropriate in each case. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Exhibits Must Comply with Requirements MPEP 715.07(d) Exhibits Must Comply With Requirements MPEP 715.07(d) Required Requirement Not Applicable to First Inventor to File Provisions MPEP 715 Affidavits or Declarations for AIA Prior Public Disclosures MPEP 715 Affidavits Under 37 CFR 1.131(c) MPEP 715 Requirement for Establishing Prior Invention MPEP 715 Prohibited Rejection Based on Statutory Bar Prohibits Prior Invention Declaration MPEP 715 Affidavit Required for Prior Invention MPEP 715 Required Original Drawings or Records Must Accompany Affidavit MPEP 715 Required Requirement to Disqualify Commonly Owned Patent as Prior Art MPEP 715 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does 37 CFR 1.131(a) relate to exhibit requirements in patent applications? Where can I find more information about exhibit requirements in patent applications? What are the requirements for exhibits filed with affidavits or declarations in patent applications? What is the procedure for reclaiming exhibits in patent applications? What happens to bulky exhibits in patent applications?