How 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 MoreWhat translation services are available for foreign patent documents?
The USPTO provides several translation services for foreign patent documents: Oral assistance from translators in the Translations Service Center of STIC Human (written) translations of pertinent portions of references Machine translations Access to previously translated documents According to MPEP 901.05(d): “Examiners may consult the translators in the Translations Service Center of the Scientific and Technical…
Read MoreWhere can I find current classification information for U.S. patents?
The MPEP 902.03 provides several resources for finding current classification information for U.S. patents: Patent Classification Home Page: Available at www.uspto.gov/Classification. This site serves as a clearinghouse for classification information published in HTML and PDF formats. Automated Search Tools: EAST (Examiner’s Automated Search Tool), WEST (Web-Based Examiner Search Tool), and SEARCH (Patents End-to-End Search tool)…
Read MoreWhat is the Common Citation Document website and how do examiners use it?
The Common Citation Document website is a resource available to USPTO patent examiners for obtaining patent family information. According to MPEP 901.07: Additionally, Examiners may utilize the Common Citation Document website accessible through the Examiner’s Toolkit to obtain patent family information. This tool is part of the Examiner’s Toolkit, which provides various resources to assist…
Read MoreHow can I access the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system?
The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system can be accessed through various online tools provided by the USPTO and EPO. According to MPEP 902: “The CPC system and CPC definitions are available online from the USPTO’s website at https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search and from the EPO’s website at http://worldwide.espacenet.com/classification.” To access and utilize the CPC system: Visit the USPTO’s…
Read MoreHow can patent examiners access borrowed publications?
Patent examiners can access borrowed publications through the Scientific and Technical Information Center (STIC) Services, specifically through interlibrary loans. The MPEP 901.06(b) directs readers to “See MPEP § 901.06(a) , STIC Services – Interlibrary Loans.” This suggests that examiners should refer to MPEP 901.06(a) for detailed information on how to request and access publications that…
Read MoreHow can I find the current location or status of a patent application?
According to MPEP 102, when it is desired to determine the current location or status of an application, USPTO personnel should use Patent Data Portal. However, it’s important to note that: “If the application is an Image File Wrapper (IFW) application, no location is associated with the file.” For public inquiries about application status, the…
Read MoreWhat resources does the USPTO provide to client-applicants when their patent practitioner dies?
The USPTO, through its Office of Enrollment and Discipline, provides valuable resources to client-applicants when their patent practitioner dies. The MPEP 406 states: ‘The Office of Enrollment and Discipline will notify the client-applicant of the availability of a list of patent practitioners who may be available to represent the client-applicant.’ This list serves as a…
Read MoreHow can applicants find a new registered patent attorney or agent?
Applicants can find a new registered patent attorney or agent through resources provided by the USPTO. According to MPEP § 407: “Applicants may obtain a list of registered patent attorneys and agents located in their area by consulting the USPTO website, https://oedci.uspto.gov/OEDCI/, or by calling the Office of Enrollment and Discipline at (571) 272-4097.” These…
Read MoreWhat should I do if I need information related to a reserved MPEP section?
If you need information related to a topic that corresponds to a reserved MPEP section, such as MPEP 404, follow these steps: Check other relevant sections of the MPEP that may cover related topics Consult the USPTO’s official website for guidance documents and notices Review recent patent laws and regulations that may address the topic…
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