What are “Borrowed Publications” in the context of patent examination?

“Borrowed Publications” refer to publications that are not permanently available in the USPTO’s Scientific and Technical Information Center (STIC) but can be obtained through interlibrary loan services. The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) states in section 901.06(b): “See MPEP § 901.06(a) , STIC Services – Interlibrary Loans.” This indicates that examiners and other USPTO personnel can request publications from external libraries to assist in their prior art searches and examinations.

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Tags: borrowed publications, interlibrary loans, patent examination, prior art search, stic services