What is the Patent Post Publication Classification Manager?

The Patent Post Publication Classification Manager is an online tool accessible from the Classification Home Page under the “Additional Resources” heading. It allows patent examiners to manage the classification of design patents after publication. The MPEP states: “Requests for addition, deletion, or transfer of official copies of U.S. patents may be carried out by using…

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How can patent examiners access STIC’s electronic resources?

Patent examiners can access STIC’s electronic resources through various methods: Via the STIC NPL website, accessible through the Patent Examiner’s Toolkit Through the STIC online catalog, which contains records of all materials held by STIC By using commercial databases (CDBs) and subscription resources The MPEP 901.06(a) states: “The primary vehicle for locating e-books, e-journals, database…

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What transactions can patent examiners perform using the Classification Manager tool?

The Classification Manager tool allows patent examiners to perform several transactions related to patent classification. According to the MPEP, examiners can request the following: Add cross-reference (XR) or secondary classifications Delete XR or secondary classifications Change original or primary classifications Add or delete International Patent Classification (IPC) classifications Specifically, the MPEP states: “(A) Add any…

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What types of patents can be managed using the Classification Manager tool?

The Classification Manager tool is specifically designed for managing the classification of design patents. The MPEP clearly states: “The Classification Manager tool is available only for design patents.” This means that utility patents and plant patents are not managed through this particular tool. Patent examiners working with design patents can use the Classification Manager to…

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What automated search tools are available to patent examiners?

According to MPEP 902.03(e), patent examiners have access to several automated search tools on their desktop computers: Examiner’s Automated Search Tool (EAST) Web-Based Examiner Search Tool (WEST) Patents End-to-End Search tool (SEARCH) Foreign Patent Access System (FPAS) The MPEP states: “EAST, WEST, and SEARCH provide examiners with access to the: (A) full text of U.S.…

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Can patent examiners add International Patent Classification (IPC) codes using the Classification Manager?

Yes, patent examiners can add or delete International Patent Classification (IPC) codes using the Classification Manager tool. The MPEP specifically mentions this capability: “(D) Add or delete any International Patent Classification system (IPC) classification to a patent.” This feature allows examiners to update the international classification of design patents, ensuring that the patent is properly…

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