What resources are available for finding equivalent versions of foreign patent specifications?

The USPTO provides several resources for finding equivalent versions of foreign patent specifications:

• The Translations Service Center checks for equivalents before processing translation requests.
• STIC’s Foreign Patent and Scientific Literature Service Center can assist in locating equivalents.
• Previously translated documents are stored in the Translations Service Center.
• Equivalent versions, or members of the same patent family, are often available in English or other languages known to the examiner.

The MPEP states: “Equivalent versions of foreign specifications, that is, members of the same patent family, are often available in English or other languages known to the examiner. In addition, copies of previously translated documents are stored in the Translations Service Center.”

To learn more:

• patent examination
• foreign patents
• equivalent versions
• patent family
• STIC