How are examiner-cited references indicated in a patent document?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27

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.

Examiner-cited references are indicated with an asterisk (*) in the “References Cited” section on the front page of a patent document. According to MPEP 1302.12:

References listed by a patent examiner on a “Notice of References Cited,” form PTO-892, will be indicated with an asterisk in the “References Cited” section of the front page of a patent document.

This indication helps distinguish examiner-cited references from those submitted by the applicant or other sources. However, the MPEP clarifies that Indication of a reference with an asterisk should not be considered to reflect any significance other than that the reference was listed on a “Notice of References Cited,” form PTO-892.

Tags: asterisk, examiner-cited references, patent document, pto-892, references cited section