How does MPEP 904 guide examiners in searching non-patent literature?
MPEP 904 provides guidance on searching non-patent literature (NPL) as part of a comprehensive prior art search. The section emphasizes the importance of NPL in certain fields: “Examiners are also encouraged to independently search other pertinent electronic information sources such as the Internet, project XSearch, and commercial databases.” Key points about NPL searching include: Examiners…
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