What is the E-Patent Reference program and how does it affect citation practices?
The E-Patent Reference program is an initiative by the USPTO to provide electronic access to cited U.S. patent references in Office Actions. As noted in MPEP 707.05(g):
The USPTO ceased mailing paper copies of U.S. patents and U.S. application publications cited in Office Actions in nonprovisional applications beginning in June 2004.
This program has significantly changed how patent references are provided to applicants:
- U.S. patents and published applications are no longer mailed in paper form.
- Applicants can access these documents electronically.
- The change applies to nonprovisional applications.
- Foreign patent documents, non-patent literature, and certain pending applications may still be provided in paper form when necessary.
This shift to electronic access has streamlined the patent examination process and reduced paper usage, while ensuring applicants have access to necessary references.
To learn more: