What automated search tools are available to patent examiners for accessing foreign patents?
Patent examiners have access to several automated search tools for accessing foreign patents:
- Examiner’s Automated Search Tool (EAST)
- Web-based Examiner’s Search Tool (WEST)
- Foreign Patent Access System (FPAS)
- Derwent World Patents index (available on EAST and WEST)
The MPEP states: The foreign patents so obtained are available to examiners from the USPTO’s automated search tools such as the Examiner’s Automated Search Tool (EAST), the Web-based Examiner’s Search Tool (WEST), the Foreign Patent Access System (FPAS), and from the Foreign Patents Service Center in STIC.
These tools provide examiners with efficient access to a vast collection of foreign patent documents, enhancing their ability to conduct comprehensive prior art searches.
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