A miniature dual-mode microstrip open-loop resonator is proposed. Distinct characteristics of this new type of dual-mode resonator are investigated using full-wave electromagnetic simulations. It is shown that the two operating modes, i.e., the even and odd modes, within a single dual-mode resonator of this type do not couple. It is also found that there is a finite-frequency transmission zero inherently associated with the even mode. Two two-pole filters using this type of dual-mode resonator are demonstrated with opposite asymmetric responses, which result from different locations of the transmission zero. Higher order filters of this type are also investigated. Both simulated and measured results are presented.