What automated search tools are available to patent examiners for accessing foreign patents?
Patent examiners have access to several automated search tools for accessing foreign patents: Examiner’s Automated Search Tool (EAST) Web-based Examiner’s Search Tool (WEST) Foreign Patent Access System (FPAS) Derwent World Patents index (available on EAST and WEST) The MPEP states: The foreign patents so obtained are available to examiners from the USPTO’s automated search tools…
Read MoreWhat constitutes a thorough and complete search in patent examination?
A thorough and complete search in patent examination involves three key steps: Identifying the field of search Selecting the proper search tools Determining the appropriate search strategy for each tool According to MPEP 904.02, “A search is considered thorough when all areas with the highest probability of finding prior art relevant to the invention as…
Read MoreWhat tools are available for patent searching according to MPEP 904?
According to MPEP 904, patent examiners have access to various tools for conducting thorough patent searches. The section states: “In addition to the specialized tools described below, much of the technology which examiners use in searching is available to the public through the USPTO Patent Public Search facility.” Some of the tools mentioned include: Specialized…
Read MoreWhat search tools are available to patent examiners?
Patent examiners have access to a wide variety of manual and automated search tools. These tools cover three main reference sources: Domestic patents (including patent application publications) Foreign patent documents Nonpatent literature (NPL) The MPEP 904.02 states, “Examiners are provided access to a wide variety of both manual and automated search tools. Choice of search…
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