How does the USPTO classify search tools for patent examination?
The USPTO classifies search tools for patent examination into three main categories:
- Primary search tools: These include classification indices, classification definitions, and patent documents.
- Secondary search tools: These include technical literature other than patent documents.
- Specialized search tools: These are specific to certain technologies, such as chemical formulae and structure searches.
According to MPEP 904.03, “The primary search tools are classification indices, classification definitions, and the U.S., foreign, and non-patent literature documents themselves.” This classification helps examiners efficiently navigate the vast array of resources available for prior art searches.
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