What does MPEP 1900 cover?

MPEP 1900 specifically addresses protests against issued patents, detailing the procedures that third parties can follow to challenge the validity of a patent after it has been granted. It outlines the legal framework and requirements for filing a protest, including the types of prior art that can be included in a protest and the timelines within which a protest must be filed.

This section of the MPEP is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the patent system, allowing for challenges that can ensure that patents granted are indeed warranted and that the patenting process is transparent. It provides a structured process for individuals or organizations who believe they have valid reasons to contest an issued patent, ensuring their concerns can be officially assessed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of patent law and examination. For instance, while the appeals process, examinations of applications, and prior art searching procedures are vital components of patent law, they are covered in different sections of the MPEP, illustrating distinct stages and procedures that do not overlap with the specific focus of MPEP 1900.