The abstract is a required element of any patent application and is a concise statement of less than 150 words. The abstract communicates to the public what the invention is and should not be used to disclosure specific, technical details of your invention. Rather, the abstract should permit a reader to determine if your patent application is something they should read further, depending on what particular feature or invention they are searching for.

Abstract of patent on composition of matter.

As per MPEP §608.01(b), the abstract should include:

  1. If a machine or apparatus, the inventions organization and operation;
  2. If an article, its method of making;
  3. If a chemical compound its ingredients; or
  4. If a process, the steps.