What information should be included in the Description of the Related Art section?

The Description of the Related Art section should include:

• A description of the state of the prior art or other information known to the applicant.
• References to specific prior art or other information where appropriate.
• Information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.
• Where applicable, the problems involved in the prior art or other information disclosed which are solved by the applicant’s invention.

As stated in MPEP 608.01(c), this section should include “A paragraph(s) describing to the extent practical the state of the prior art or other information disclosed known to the applicant, including references to specific prior art or other information where appropriate. Where applicable, the problems involved in the prior art or other information disclosed which are solved by the applicant’s invention should be indicated.”

To learn more:

• Description of Related Art
• Prior Art
• Patent Application