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 MoreWhat 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 MoreWhat 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 MoreHow 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 MoreAre 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 MoreHow are lengthy tables treated in patent documents and patent application publications?
Lengthy tables in patent documents and patent application publications are treated as follows: Tables on more than 200 consecutive pages or large numbers of tables submitted on read-only optical discs or as text files will not be published as part of the patent document. These lengthy tables will be published separately on the sequence homepage…
Read MoreWhat are INID codes and why are they important for patent documents?
INID codes (Internationally agreed Numbers for the Identification of bibliographic Data) provide a standardized way to identify bibliographic data on patent documents without needing to know the specific language or laws used. They are used by most patent offices worldwide and have been applied to U.S. patents since 1970. As stated in the MPEP: “The…
Read MoreHow can patent examiners obtain copies of foreign patent documents?
Patent examiners have several options to obtain copies of foreign patent documents: Access automated search tools such as EAST, WEST, and FPAS Request documents from the Foreign Patents Service Center in STIC Use the Global Dossier Public Access for PCT applications and WIPO-CASE participating offices Submit an online request using the Foreign Patent Request Form…
Read MoreHow are lengthy tables handled in patent documents and publications?
The USPTO has specific procedures for handling lengthy tables in patent documents and publications: Tables on more than 200 consecutive pages or large numbers of tables submitted as ASCII plain text files or on read-only optical discs will not be printed as part of the patent document. These lengthy tables will be published separately on…
Read MoreWhat 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…
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