What is the purpose of 37 CFR 1.808?
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.
37 CFR 1.808 is a regulation that governs the furnishing of samples in patent applications related to biotechnology. This regulation is part of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) Chapter 2400 on Biotechnology, specifically within Section 2410 – Furnishing of Samples.
The purpose of this regulation is to ensure that biological materials referenced in patent applications are available to the public, which is crucial for enabling others to reproduce and verify the claimed invention. This aligns with the patent system’s goal of promoting the progress of science by requiring full disclosure of inventions.