What topics does MPEP 100 encompass?

MPEP 100 primarily deals with the organization and general principles of the patent examination process, emphasizing the fundamentals of patentability. This section provides guidance on matters specifically related to the criteria for patentability, including novelty, non-obviousness, and other critical elements that are necessary for an application to be considered for a patent.

The focus on patentability and obviousness rejections aligns well with the principles outlined in MPEP 100, as it sets the foundational knowledge needed for examiners to make informed decisions regarding applications. Understanding these concepts is essential for examiners when they evaluate whether an invention meets the legal requirements for obtaining a patent.

In contrast, the other options address topics that are covered in different sections of the MPEP but do not fall under the purview of MPEP 100. For instance, filing requirements for provisional applications and strategies for appeal processes are discussed in different MPEP chapters that specifically focus on application submission procedures and appeal protocols, respectively. Similarly, while prior art citations are integral to the examination process, their detailed analysis is covered in other sections dedicated to the examination and citation of prior art rather than in the fundamental principles laid out in MPEP 100.