What are the requirements for citing foreign language documents in an IDS?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. When citing foreign language documents in an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS), applicants must adhere to specific requirements: Provide a concise explanation of the relevance of the foreign language document. Include a translation or portion of the document if it is within the possession, custody, or control of the individual filing the IDS. The concise explanation may be either separate from the specification or part of the specification. If the translation is submitted, indicate whether it is a machine translation or an English-language equivalent document. MPEP 609.01 states: ‘When citing foreign language documents, the examiner should verify that the citation given on the IDS corresponds to the translation or English language abstract provided.’ Examiners should ensure that the requirements of 37 CFR 1.98(a)(3) are met for all foreign language documents cited in the IDS. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Information Disclosure Statement Must Include Specific Items MPEP 609 Required Information Disclosure Statement Using PTO/SB/08 MPEP 609 Permitted Information Disclosure Statement Must Be Filed Using PTO/SB/08 Form MPEP 609 Permitted Fee for Information Disclosure Statement MPEP 609 Information Disclosure Statement Not Considered If Non-Compliant MPEP 609.01 Requirement for Information Disclosure Statement MPEP 609 Information Disclosure Statement Must Exclude Foreign Office Citations and Pre-Filing Knowledge MPEP 609 Fee Required for Information Disclosure Statement MPEP 609 Information Disclosure Statement Filing Does Not Imply Search Conducted MPEP 609 Requirement for Proper Information Disclosure Statement MPEP 609 Other Related FAQs ...