What is the Global Dossier Public Access and how is it useful for patent research?

The Global Dossier Public Access is a tool provided by the USPTO that allows access to file histories of related patent applications. It is particularly useful for researching international applications and applications from WIPO-CASE participating offices. According to the MPEP: If the examiner wishes to obtain a copy of a specification from an international application…

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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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Where can I find the most up-to-date list of PCT Contracting States?

The most current list of PCT Contracting States can be found on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) website. The MPEP Section 1817 provides direct links to these resources: An updated list of PCT Contracting States is available from WIPO’s website ( www.wipo.int/pct/guide/en/gdvol1/annexes/annexa/ax_a.pdf or www.wipo.int/pct/en/pct_contracting_states.html ). You can access the list in two formats: PDF…

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What is a designated office in patent applications?

A designated office is a national patent office of a country that has been ‘designated’ by an applicant in an international patent application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). In the context of MPEP 602.07, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) acts as a designated office when an applicant enters the national…

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What is the significance of the Paris Convention in foreign priority claims?

What is the significance of the Paris Convention in foreign priority claims? The Paris Convention plays a crucial role in foreign priority claims for patent applications. Its significance includes: Establishing the right of priority for patent applications among member countries. Allowing applicants to file in multiple countries while maintaining the original filing date. Providing a…

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How does WTO membership affect foreign priority rights?

How does WTO membership affect foreign priority rights? World Trade Organization (WTO) membership has significant implications for foreign priority rights in patent applications: WTO member countries are treated as Paris Convention countries for priority purposes. Applicants from WTO member countries can claim priority in the U.S., even if the country is not a Paris Convention…

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What is MPEP 602.07 about?

MPEP 602.07 is titled ‘Oath or Declaration Filed in United States as a Designated Office’. This section provides guidance on the requirements for oaths or declarations filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) when it acts as a designated office for international patent applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The section…

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