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…

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How 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…

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How 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…

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How 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…

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How 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…

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What 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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