What is the statutory authority for patent examination?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 10 Rules 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 statutory authority for patent examination is outlined in 35 U.S.C. 131 , which states: The Director shall cause an examination to be made of the application and the alleged new invention; and if on such examination it appears that the applicant is entitled to a patent under the law, the Director shall issue a patent therefor. This statute mandates that the USPTO Director must ensure that patent applications are examined to determine if they meet the legal requirements for patentability. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Director Must Issue Patent If Applicant Meets Requirements MPEP 701 Required First Inventor to File for Patent Applications MPEP 701 Requirement for Patent Applications Not Subject to FITF MPEP 701 Terms for Patent Examination Defined MPEP 701 Required Inventions Not Patentable Under 35 U.S.C. 101 MPEP 701 Conditions for Patent Grant MPEP 701 Effective Filing Date for Patent Invention MPEP 701 Required First Inventor to File Provision Applies MPEP 701 Inventors May Obtain Patents for New Processes, Machines, Manufactures, or Compositions of Matter MPEP 701 Permitted Invention Means Invention or Discovery MPEP 701 Required