What is the relationship between best mode and enablement requirements in patent law?

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 best mode and enablement requirements are distinct but related aspects of patent disclosure. While both aim to ensure comprehensive disclosure, they serve different purposes:

• Enablement: Requires the specification to describe the invention in sufficient detail for a person skilled in the art to make and use it.
• Best Mode: Requires the inventor to disclose the best way they know to carry out the invention at the time of filing.

As stated in MPEP 2165: “The best mode requirement is a separate and distinct requirement from the enablement requirement of 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph.” While enablement ensures the invention can be replicated, best mode ensures the inventor isn’t concealing their preferred implementation.