What are the main categories of prior art under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)?

Under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a), there are two main categories of prior art: AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1): This includes documents and activities such as issued patents, published applications, non-patent printed publications, public use, sale, or other public availability of the claimed invention. AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2): This specifically covers U.S. patent documents. The MPEP states:…

Read More

What are WIPO Standard ST.16 codes (kind codes)?

WIPO Standard ST.16 codes, also known as kind codes, are alphanumeric identifiers used to distinguish different types of patent documents and their publication levels. According to MPEP 901.04(a): WIPO Standard ST.16 codes (kind codes) include a letter, and in many cases a number, used to distinguish the kind of patent document (e.g., publication of an…

Read More

What is the USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database?

The USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database is a comprehensive resource for accessing patent documents. According to MPEP 902.03(a), “The USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database provides full-text of all US patents issued since January 1, 1976, and full-page images of each page of every US patent issued since 1790.” This database is an invaluable…

Read More

How can I obtain copies of foreign patent documents?

The USPTO provides several ways for examiners to obtain copies of foreign patent documents: Automated search tools like EAST, WEST, and FPAS The Foreign Patents Service Center in STIC Online request using the Foreign Patent Request Form Direct request from the Foreign Patents Service Center of STIC Self-service copying from accessible systems As stated in…

Read More

Are there any more FAQs about MPEP 901.04(a) – Kind Codes?

No more FAQs can be generated based on the content from MPEP 901.04(a) – Kind Codes. The existing FAQs have comprehensively covered all relevant aspects of the topic, including the definition, purpose, examples, placement, and interpretation of kind codes for both U.S. and foreign patent documents. To learn more: kind codes patent documents MPEP patent…

Read More

What types of documents are included in the patent classification system?

According to MPEP 903.01, which cites 35 U.S.C. 8, the patent classification system includes: “United States letters patent, and such other patents and printed publications as may be necessary or practicable” This broad definition encompasses: U.S. patents Foreign patents Non-patent literature (printed publications) The inclusion of various document types ensures a comprehensive collection of prior…

Read More