What are the current sequence rules for patent applications?

The current sequence rules for patent applications are outlined in 37 CFR 1.821-1.825 and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Standard ST.25. These rules became effective on July 1, 1998. The MPEP states: The current sequence rules, which are embodied in 37 CFR 1.821-1.825 and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Standard ST.25, became effective July 1,…

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What is WIPO Standard ST.3 and how is it used in patent document identification?

WIPO Standard ST.3 is a crucial resource for identifying the origin of patent documents. According to MPEP 1851: “The two-letter country codes are set forth in WIPO Standard ST.3, which is published in the ‘WIPO Handbook on Industrial Property Information and Documentation’ and is accessible via the Internet at the WIPO website.” This standard provides…

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What is WIPO Standard ST.16 and why is it important for patent examiners?

WIPO Standard ST.16 is a crucial resource for patent examiners, as outlined in MPEP 1851: “The standard codes for identifying different kinds of patent documents are found in the ‘WIPO Handbook on Industrial Property Information and Documentation’ – WIPO Standard ST.16 which is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.” This standard provides codes for…

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How are U.S. patents and patent application publications coded according to WIPO standards?

According to MPEP 1851, U.S. patents and patent application publications are coded as follows: U.S. patents published before January 2, 2001: Code A documents U.S. patents published on or after January 2, 2001: Code B documents Patent Application Publications (first published on March 15, 2001): Code A documents Reexamination certificates published before January 2, 2001:…

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What are the key components for citing patent documents in international search reports?

When citing patent documents in international search reports, examiners must include several key components as per MPEP 1851: The two-letter country code of the issuing or publishing entity The standard code identifying the kind of patent document The document number The name of the patentee or applicant The publication date Relevant page numbers, columns, lines,…

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What is the proper way to identify a foreign priority application in a U.S. patent application?

To properly identify a foreign priority application in a U.S. patent application, you should provide: The application number The country or intellectual property authority The filing date (day, month, and year) MPEP 214.04 advises: “To ensure an accurate and complete citation of a foreign priority application, applicants should review the list of the various intellectual…

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