What resources are available for finding equivalent versions of foreign patent specifications?
The USPTO provides several resources for finding equivalent versions of foreign patent specifications: The Translations Service Center checks for equivalents before processing translation requests. STIC’s Foreign Patent and Scientific Literature Service Center can assist in locating equivalents. Previously translated documents are stored in the Translations Service Center. Equivalent versions, or members of the same patent…
Read MoreHow are copies of cited references provided to patent applicants?
According to MPEP 707.05(a), copies of cited foreign patent documents and non-patent literature are automatically furnished without charge to applicants with the Office action. However, copies of U.S. patents and U.S. patent application publications are not provided in paper to applicants. The MPEP states: Copies of cited foreign patent documents and non-patent literature references (except…
Read MoreHow should examiners cite foreign patents and non-patent literature?
How should examiners cite foreign patents and non-patent literature? Examiners should follow specific guidelines when citing foreign patents and non-patent literature (NPL) in patent applications. According to MPEP 707.05(a): For foreign patents: Cite the country, document number, and publication date (WIPO Standard ST.14 format). Include the applicant’s name, the title in English (if available), and…
Read MoreHow should examiners cite foreign patents and non-patent literature in USPTO office actions?
Examiners should follow specific guidelines when citing foreign patents and non-patent literature in USPTO office actions: Foreign Patents: Cite the country, document number, date of publication, name of patentee, and pages or columns of the relevant material. Non-Patent Literature: Include the author (if any), title of the publication, date, pages, and place of publication. According…
Read MoreHow should foreign patents and foreign published applications be cited?
When citing foreign patents and foreign published applications, the following information must be provided: Patent number Kind code Citation date Name of the country Name of the patentee Relevant classification (if appropriate) The MPEP states: “In citing foreign patents, the patent number, kind code, citation date, name of the country, name of the patentee, and…
Read MoreWhat is the procedure for providing copies of references at the time of allowance?
The MPEP 707.05(a) outlines the procedure for providing copies of references at the time of allowance: Copies of foreign patent documents and nonpatent literature (NPL) which are cited by the examiner at the time of allowance will be furnished to applicant with the Office action and be retained in the file wrapper. This will apply…
Read MoreHow should foreign patents be cited in an Information Disclosure Statement?
When citing foreign patents in an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS), you must include: The country or patent office that issued the patent The patent number The name of the patentee The date of issuance The pages, columns, lines, or paragraph numbers where relevant passages or figures appear The MPEP 609.04(a) states: Each foreign patent or…
Read MoreWhat are the requirements for citing foreign patent documents and non-English documents in an IDS?
When citing foreign patent documents and non-English documents in an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS), the following requirements apply: For foreign patent documents: Cite by document number, country, and publication or issue date Provide a copy of each cited foreign patent document For non-English documents: Provide a concise explanation of the relevance, as understood by the…
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