What types of documents are included in patent family information?

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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. Patent family information encompasses a wide range of related patent documents. According to MPEP 901.07 , these documents include: “…all patents and patent publications that are related to a particular patent document.” Specifically, patent family information may include: Issued patents in various countries Published patent applications Continuation applications Divisional applications Continuation-in-part applications PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) applications Priority documents By examining these related documents, patent examiners can gain a comprehensive understanding of an invention’s development and its protection across different jurisdictions. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Examiners Can Access Patent Family Data MPEP 901.07 Permitted Examiners Access Patent Family Through Databases MPEP 901.07 Patent Examiners May Use WPI or INPADOC MPEP 901.07 Permitted Examiners Can Request Foreign Patent Searches Through STIC MPEP 901.07 Permitted Requirement for Examiner's Action Under 1.104(a)(1) MPEP 901 WPI Database Requirement for In-House Search Integration MPEP 901.07 WPI In-House for Additional Searches MPEP 901.07 Required WPI In-House First Choice for Publication Dates and Patent Families MPEP 901.07 Foreign Patent Searches Through STIC Permitted MPEP 901.07 Declassified Patent Application Required MPEP 130 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the Common Citation Document website and how do examiners use it? What is the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system? How does the Global Dossier Initiative benefit patent examiners? What is patent family information and how can examiners access it? How does patent family information ...