When was the announcement about Rospatent becoming an ISA published in the Official Gazette?
The announcement about Rospatent becoming an International Searching Authority (ISA) was published in the Official Gazette on May 8, 2012. As stated in the MPEP, The announcement appeared in the Official Gazette at 1378 OG 162 on May 8, 2012. This publication served as the official notification to the patent community about the availability of…
Read MoreWhat is Rospatent and when did it become available as an International Searching Authority?
Rospatent, or the Federal Service for Intellectual Property of the Russian Federation, became available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for PCT applications on January 10, 2012. As stated in the MPEP, Since January 10, 2012, the Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent) (Russian Federation) has been available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for…
Read MoreWhat are the requirements for submitting earlier search results in a PCT application?
When submitting earlier search results in a PCT application, the following requirements must be met: The applicant must request the International Searching Authority to take into account the results of an earlier search under PCT Rule 4.12. The applicant must comply with PCT Rule 12bis.1 regarding the submission of documents. A copy of the earlier…
Read MoreWhat is the “relevant date” for determining prior art in PCT applications?
The “relevant date” for determining prior art in PCT applications is defined in MPEP 1878.01(a), which cites PCT Rule 64.1(b). The relevant date is generally: The international filing date of the application The filing date of an earlier application if priority is validly claimed and the international filing date is within the priority period The…
Read MoreHow are nucleotide sequences treated in international patent applications under the PCT?
The treatment of nucleotide sequences in international patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) differs from national applications. According to MPEP 803.04: “See MPEP § 1850 for treatment of claims containing independent and distinct nucleotide sequences in international applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and national stage applications filed under 35…
Read MoreWhen did the Korean Intellectual Property Office become an International Searching Authority for PCT applications?
The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) has been available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for PCT applications since January 1, 2006. This applies to applications filed by U.S. nationals or residents in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as receiving Office or in the International Bureau (IB) as receiving Office. As stated in…
Read MoreWho can use the Korean Intellectual Property Office as an International Searching Authority for PCT applications?
The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) is available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for PCT applications filed by U.S. nationals or residents. This applies to applications filed in two specific receiving offices: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as receiving Office The International Bureau (IB) as receiving Office As stated in MPEP 1840.02:…
Read MoreWhat is the role of the Japan Patent Office (JPO) as an International Searching Authority?
The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has been available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for certain PCT applications since July 1, 2015. Specifically, the JPO can serve as an ISA for: PCT applications filed by U.S. nationals or residents Applications filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as receiving Office Applications filed with…
Read MoreWhen did the Japan Patent Office become available as an International Searching Authority for U.S. applicants?
The Japan Patent Office (JPO) became available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for certain U.S. applicants on July 1, 2015. According to the MPEP: Since July 1, 2015, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) has been available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for PCT applications filed by U.S. nationals or residents in the U.S.…
Read MoreWhat modifications were made to the arrangement with the JPO as an International Searching Authority?
The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) mentions that modifications were made to the arrangement with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) as an International Searching Authority (ISA). Specifically: An announcement modifying the arrangement with the JPO appeared in the Official Gazette at 1454 OG 51 on September 4, 2018. To understand the specific modifications made…
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