How are citations listed in an International Search Report?
Citations in an International Search Report (ISR) are listed according to specific guidelines. As stated in MPEP 1844:
“The citation of documents should be in accordance with the Instructions to the International Search Report.”
The citations are typically categorized as follows:
- Category X: Documents of particular relevance alone
- Category Y: Documents of particular relevance in combination with others
- Category A: Documents defining the general state of the art
- Category O: Non-written disclosures
- Category P: Intermediate documents
- Category E: Earlier patent documents
- Category T: Theory or principle underlying the invention
- Category L: Documents cited for other reasons
Each citation includes bibliographic details and may be accompanied by an indication of relevant passages or figures.
To learn more: