What is the ‘Minimum Significant Part of the Number’ in foreign application citations?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 9 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. The ‘Minimum Significant Part of the Number’ refers to the essential portion of a foreign application number that should be used in United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) records. According to the MPEP: The ‘Minimum Significant Part of the Number’ identified in the tables should be used in United States Patent and Trademark Office records. This concept is important because: It standardizes the citation of foreign applications across different numbering systems It ensures that the most crucial identifying information is captured It facilitates accurate cross-referencing and searching of patent documents Applicants and examiners should refer to the WIPO tables to determine the correct ‘Minimum Significant Part of the Number’ for each foreign intellectual property office. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 9 rules Collapse Requirement for Submission of Non-Patentability Material MPEP 2001.04 Individuals Must Disclose Material Information for Patentability MPEP 2005 Requirement for Examiner to Obtain Reasonably Necessary Information MPEP 2005 Examiner Can Require Information Under 37 CFR 1.105 MPEP 2005 Materiality vs Reasonable Necessity for Disclosure MPEP 2005 Permitted Information Required for Examination Not Necessarily Material to Patentability MPEP 2005 Required Examiner May Require Assignee Information MPEP 2005 Permitted Examiner Can Require Drug Product Manufacturing Details MPEP 2005 Permitted Art Beyond Requirement for Information Is Considered Under Art Rules MPEP 704.14(d) Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is an inventor&#8217;s certificate and how does it relate to patent priority rights? What happens if an international applicatio...