What automated search tools are available to patent examiners?
According to MPEP 902.03(e), patent examiners have access to several automated search tools on their desktop computers:
- Examiner’s Automated Search Tool (EAST)
- Web-Based Examiner Search Tool (WEST)
- Patents End-to-End Search tool (SEARCH)
- Foreign Patent Access System (FPAS)
The MPEP states:
“EAST, WEST, and SEARCH provide examiners with access to the: (A) full text of U.S. published applications since 2001; (B) full text of U.S. patents granted since 1970; and (C) optically scanned full text of U.S. patents granted 1920-1970.”
These tools offer comprehensive access to patent documents, classification information, and images for U.S. published applications and patents. They also provide access to foreign patent documents and English language abstracts for many foreign patent documents published since 1978.
To learn more: