MPEP 608.01(b): The Abstract

Answer in brief

MPEP 608.01(b) governs the abstract of the disclosure, which should not exceed 150 words and must begin on a separate sheet. It should summarize what is new in the art, not repeat the title or the claims, and avoid legal phrases like "means" and "said".

What MPEP 608.01(b) covers

The abstract helps searchers quickly understand the technical disclosure; it is not used to interpret the claims' scope.

Length: preferably 50 to 150 words, no more than 150.
Placement: on a separate sheet, under the heading "Abstract" or "Abstract of the Disclosure".
Content: a concise statement of the technical disclosure, focused on what is new.

How examiners use it

A noncompliant abstract draws an objection and a requirement for a substitute, not a rejection.

On the patent bar

Know the 150-word limit and that defects in the abstract are objected to, not rejected.

Read the full text

Official title: Abstract of the Disclosure [R-01.2024].

Read MPEP 608 in full on Wysebridge ↗

Or at the source: USPTO MPEP § 608.

Sources for this entry

USPTO — MPEP § 608 USPTO
Official text of this section, Ninth Edition, Revision 01.2024.
Wysebridge MPEP Center Wysebridge (publisher of this site)
The full MPEP (9th Ed., Rev. 01.2024) free to read, with Wysebridge's estimated patent bar weight for each chapter.

Practical guidance is original editorial content. Company-published figures are the company's own claims and are labeled as such.

Continue this reading path

MPEP 608.01(n): Dependent and Multiple Dependent Claims

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MPEP.net. “MPEP 608.01(b): The Abstract.” Wysebridge Reference. Content reviewed 9 November 2026.
https://mpep.net/mpep-608-01-b/