What is an interference search in patent examination?

An interference search is a crucial step in the patent examination process conducted when an application is in condition for allowance. The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) 2304.01(a) states: “When an application is in condition for allowance, an interference search must be made by using the most efficient and effective manner based on the…

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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…

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How does the USPTO access patent family information?

The USPTO accesses patent family information through various databases and tools. According to MPEP 901.07: “Examiners can retrieve patent family information using the USPTO’s automated search tools…” These tools include: EAST (Examiner’s Automated Search Tool) WEST (Web-Based Examiner Search Tool) Global Dossier These systems provide access to patent family data from various sources, including foreign…

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How is an interference search conducted?

An interference search is conducted using the most efficient and effective manner based on the claimed subject matter in the broadest claim. The MPEP 1302.08 states that this is typically done “(e.g., by performing a text search of the ‘US-PGPUB’ database in EAST or WEST).” For applications containing nucleotide or peptide sequences, examiners must submit…

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Where 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)…

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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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