What is the Scientific and Technical Information Center (STIC) role in patent translations?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 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 Scientific and Technical Information Center (STIC) plays a crucial role in providing human translations for patent examiners when dealing with non-English language prior art. According to MPEP 901.05(d) : “If the examiner believes that a machine translation or translation submitted by an applicant is not accurate, the examiner should obtain a human translation from STIC.” STIC’s responsibilities include: Providing human translations of non-English documents upon request from examiners Ensuring accurate translations of particularly relevant prior art Supporting examiners in understanding foreign language documents critical to patentability determinations Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Examiners May Request Human Translations of References MPEP 901.05(d) Permitted Machine Translation Tools Listing Required MPEP 901.05(d) Human Translations Delivered by Email Only MPEP 901.05(d) Examiners Can Use STIC Services for Translation MPEP 901.05(d) Permitted Examiners Can Seek Oral Translation Help MPEP 901.05(d) Permitted Examiners May Request Translations MPEP 901.05(d) Permitted Machine Translation Requirement for Non-English Documents MPEP 1134.01 Permitted Examiners Can Request Translations MPEP 901.05(d) Permitted Foreign Specifications Often Available in English MPEP 901.05(d) Previous Translations Stored in Service Center MPEP 901.05(d) Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How should examiners cite foreign language documents and their translations in office actions? How do patent examiners handle non-English language abstracts? What should be done if a machine translation of a foreign document is not of sufficient quality for patent examination? ...