What is the significance of search files in patent examination?

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.

Search files play a crucial role in patent examination, as outlined in MPEP 901.06(d). The MPEP emphasizes their importance:

“Abstracts, Abbreviatures, and Defensive Publications are included in the search files.”

Search files are comprehensive collections of prior art documents used by patent examiners to evaluate the novelty and non-obviousness of patent applications. These files include various types of publications, such as abstracts, abbreviatures, and defensive publications, which help examiners conduct thorough and efficient prior art searches during the examination process.