Which sections of 35 U.S.C. form the foundation of U.S. law reflected in the MPEP?

The correct answer is based on the foundational concepts of patentability in U.S. law as reflected in the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP). Sections 101, 102, 103, and 112 of Title 35 of the United States Code are essential for understanding what qualifies as a patentable invention and the requirements that must be satisfied.

Section 101 outlines the types of inventions that are eligible for patent protection, establishing the general subject matter that can be patented. Section 102 addresses the novelty requirement, which prohibits the patenting of inventions that are already known or have been publicly disclosed. Section 103 deals with non-obviousness, setting the standard that an invention cannot be readily apparent to someone skilled in the field at the time it was made. Finally, Section 112 provides the enabling disclosure requirement, mandating that a patent application must include a clear and complete description of the invention so that someone skilled in the art can replicate it.

Together, these sections form the bedrock of U.S. patent law and are crucial for understanding the procedural and substantive requirements examined in patent applications, as thoroughly outlined in the MPEP. This makes the selection of these sections the most appropriate response to the question posed.