How is the list of prior art documents made available after reexamination?
After the reexamination process is complete, the list of prior art documents is made available to the public. MPEP 2257 explains: “A notice will be printed on the reexamination certificate to state that the list of cited prior art documents will be available via the USPTO patent electronic filing system by the reexamination control number.”…
Read MoreWhat are INID Codes and why are they important?
INID Codes (Internationally agreed Numbers for the Identification of bibliographic Data) are standardized numbers used to identify specific bibliographic data on patent documents and related publications. They are important because: They allow for easy identification of various data elements on patent documents without requiring knowledge of the language or laws applied. They have been used…
Read MoreWhat types of information do INID Codes cover on patent documents?
INID Codes cover a wide range of bibliographic information on patent documents. Some key categories include: Identification of the patent document (codes 10-19) Application data (codes 20-29) Priority data (codes 30-34) Public availability dates (codes 40-48) Technical information (codes 50-58) Related document references (codes 60-68) Parties involved (codes 70-76) International convention data (codes 80-89) For…
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of the PCT international application transmittal letter?
The PCT international application transmittal letter (Form PTO-1382) serves to simplify the process of filing PCT international applications and related documents with the United States Receiving Office. As stated in MPEP 1830: “The form, which is intended to simplify the filing of PCT international applications and related documents with the United States Receiving Office, may…
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of listing rejoined claims in the index of claims?
Listing rejoined claims in the index of claims serves a crucial purpose in the patent examination and issuance process. The MPEP 1302.04(h) specifies that: “Any previously withdrawn claims that are being rejoined and allowed must be listed in the index of claims and on the Notice of Allowability to avoid a printer query.” The primary…
Read MoreWhat are the minimum required INID Codes for patent documents?
The MPEP identifies certain INID Codes as minimum data elements for patent documents. These include: (11) Number of the patent, SPC or patent document (13) Kind of document code according to WIPO Standard ST.16 (19) WIPO Standard ST.3 code, or other identification, of the office or organization publishing the document (21) Number(s) assigned to the…
Read MoreWhat is the structure of the International Search Report form?
The International Search Report form (Form PCT/ISA/210) has a specific structure as described in MPEP 1844: Two main sheets: “first sheet” and “second sheet” used for all searches Five optional continuation sheets: Continuation of first sheet (1) Continuation of first sheet (2) Continuation of first sheet (3) Continuation of second sheet Patent family annex (not…
Read MoreHow are Defensive Publications numbered?
Defensive Publications have had different numbering systems over time. According to MPEP 901.06(d): “Distinct numbers are assigned to all Defensive Publications published December 16, 1969 through October 1980. For Defensive Publications published on and after November 4, 1980, a different numbering system is used.” For older Defensive Publications, there is a conversion system: “A conversion…
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