What translation services are available for foreign patent documents?

The USPTO provides several translation services for foreign patent documents: Oral assistance from translators in the Translations Service Center of STIC Human (written) translations of pertinent portions of references Machine translations Access to previously translated documents According to MPEP 901.05(d): “Examiners may consult the translators in the Translations Service Center of the Scientific and Technical…

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How are foreign patent documents organized in the USPTO?

Foreign patent documents in the USPTO are organized differently based on when they were received: Documents received before October 1, 1995: These were typically placed in the shoes in the Technology Center (TCs), organized according to the United States Patent Classification System (USPC) or, less frequently, the International Patent Classification (IPC) system. Documents received after…

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What is the significance of the kind code in foreign patent documents?

The kind code in foreign patent documents is an important indicator of the document’s nature. The MPEP explains: “The kind of document is indicated by the appropriate document code following the country code.“ Kind codes typically denote: The type of patent document (e.g., application, granted patent) The stage of publication Specific variations within a country’s…

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What are the main sources of foreign patent documents for USPTO examiners?

USPTO examiners have access to various sources of foreign patent documents, including: Digests of foreign patent documents Abstracts of foreign patent documents Photographic and photostatic copies of entire foreign patent documents The MPEP states: “In general, these foreign patent documents provide a source of technological teachings and prior art accessible to the examiner.” (Source: MPEP…

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How are dates formatted in foreign patent publications?

Foreign patent publications often use different date formats compared to Western standards. According to MPEP 901.05(a): “Foreign patent publications that use Arabic and Roman numerals in lieu of names to indicate the date show in order the day, month, and year, or alternatively, the year, month, and day. Roman numerals always refer to the month.”…

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What is the significance of the country code on foreign patent documents?

The country code on foreign patent documents is crucial for identifying the origin of the patent. The MPEP provides guidance on this: “In citing foreign documents, the two-letter country code (WIPO Standard ST.3) should be used.“ This standardization helps in: Quickly identifying the issuing country Ensuring consistent citation across international patent literature Facilitating easier searching…

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How are foreign patent documents classified in the USPTO?

Foreign patent documents are classified in the USPTO according to the following system: Documents published by the European Patent Office (EPO) or the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) are classified only in the International Patent Classification (IPC) system. Other foreign patent documents may be classified in the IPC, the United States Patent Classification (USPC) system,…

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What is the Foreign Patent Access System (FPAS)?

The Foreign Patent Access System (FPAS) is one of the platforms used by the USPTO to make foreign patents available. According to MPEP 903.03, Foreign patents received by the Office after October 1, 1995 are available on the USPTO’s automated search systems, the Foreign Patent Access System (FPAS), Internet sites, and the Scientific and Technical…

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