What should be included in a patent abstract?

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.

A patent abstract should include:

• A concise statement of the technical disclosure
• What is new in the art to which the invention pertains
• For a machine or apparatus: its organization and operation
• For an article: its method of making
• For a chemical compound: its identity and use
• For a mixture: its ingredients
• For a process: the steps involved

The MPEP states: The abstract should not refer to purported merits or speculative applications of the invention and should not compare the invention with the prior art.

For chemical patents, the general nature of the compound or composition should be given as well as the use thereof, e.g., ‘The compounds are of the class of alkyl benzene sulfonyl ureas, useful as oral anti-diabetics.’