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…
Read MoreHow 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.”…
Read MoreWhere 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…
Read MoreHow do you convert Japanese patent dates to Western calendar years?
Converting Japanese patent dates to Western calendar years involves a simple calculation based on the year of the Emperor’s reign. The MPEP 901.05(a) provides specific instructions: “To convert the Japanese year of the Emperor to the Western calendar year, for years prior to 1989, add 1925 to the JAPANESE YEAR. For example: 40.3.6 = March…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreWhat is the process for obtaining a foreign filing license for a patent application?
To obtain a foreign filing license for a patent application, you need to file a petition under 37 CFR 5.12(b). This petition is decided by the Director of the Technology Center who Oversees Licensing and Review. As stated in MPEP 1002.02(c)(1): “Petitions under 37 CFR 5.12(b) for foreign license to file patent applications in foreign…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreWhat is the Paris Convention and how does it relate to patent filing?
What is the Paris Convention and how does it relate to patent filing? The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, commonly known as the Paris Convention, is an international treaty that plays a crucial role in patent filing. According to MPEP 213.01: The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property sets forth…
Read More