What are WIPO Standard ST.16 codes (kind codes)?
WIPO Standard ST.16 codes, also known as kind codes, are alphanumeric identifiers used to distinguish different types of patent documents and their publication levels. According to MPEP 901.04(a):
WIPO Standard ST.16 codes (kind codes) include a letter, and in many cases a number, used to distinguish the kind of patent document (e.g., publication of an application for a utility patent (patent application publication), utility patent, plant patent application publication, plant patent, or design patent) and the level of publication (e.g., first publication, second publication, or corrected publication).
These codes help in quickly identifying the nature and status of a patent document, which is crucial for patent examiners, attorneys, and researchers.
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