Manual of Patent Examination Procedure [MPEP] Law and Legal Definition
The Manual of Patent Examination Procedure (MPEP) refers to the procedures carried out by the patent office, particularly in the examination of patents. It is published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In the MPEP, the USPTO lays down certain rules and regulations that are to be followed in the examination of U.S. patent applications. The MPEP gains its authority from the USPTO as laid down in the Code of Federal Regulations. The MPEP is used as a reference by patent attorneys and agents to make sure that they follow USPTO rules and regulations. The MPEP is available in both paper form and in electronic version.