How should patent examiners prioritize search areas?
Patent examiners should prioritize search areas based on the likelihood of finding relevant prior art. The MPEP 904.02(a) provides guidance on this: “The areas to be searched should be prioritized so that the most likely areas of finding relevant prior art are searched first. Though areas to be searched should be prioritized, a thorough and…
Read MoreHow should patent examiners determine the field of search?
Patent examiners should determine the field of search by considering the following factors: The claimed subject matter Disclosed features related to the inventive concept Areas with the highest probability of finding relevant prior art According to MPEP 904.02, “The search areas should cover the claimed subject matter and should also cover the disclosed features related…
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