What are WIPO Standard ST.16 codes (kind codes)?
WIPO Standard ST.16 codes, also known as kind codes, are alphanumeric identifiers used to distinguish different types of patent documents and their publication levels. According to MPEP 901.04(a): WIPO Standard ST.16 codes (kind codes) include a letter, and in many cases a number, used to distinguish the kind of patent document (e.g., publication of an…
Read MoreWhere can I find additional information about the ILPO as an International Searching Authority?
For additional information about the Israel Patent Office (ILPO) as an International Searching Authority (ISA), including subject matter limitations, additional search fees, and cited documents, you should refer to Annex D of the PCT Applicant’s Guide. According to MPEP 1840.05: “For additional information, e.g., subject matter limitations, additional search fees, cited documents, etc., please refer…
Read MoreWhat is the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)?
The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is an international patent law treaty that provides a unified procedure for filing patent applications to protect inventions in its contracting states. As stated in the MPEP, The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) enables the U.S. applicant to file one application, “an international application,” in a standardized format in English in…
Read MoreWhat information is available on the USPTO Classification Home Page?
The USPTO Classification Home Page provides a wealth of information for both examiners and the public. According to MPEP 902.03(b), the site includes: Index, schedules, and definitions Links to international information (CPC schedules, IPC Concordance, IPC Schedules, IPC Catchword Index) WIPO Handbook on Industrial Property Information and Documentation National (U.S.) information (Overview of the Classification…
Read MoreWho can sign a notice of withdrawal for an international patent application?
The signing requirements for a notice of withdrawal in an international patent application are specific and outlined in PCT Rule 90bis.5 and MPEP 1859: All applicants must sign the notice of withdrawal. An appointed agent or common representative can sign on behalf of the applicants who appointed them. An applicant considered to be the common…
Read MoreCan I obtain a regional patent through the PCT?
Yes, it is possible to obtain a regional patent through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for certain regions. The MPEP specifically states: An updated list of PCT Contracting States for which a regional patent can be obtained via the PCT is available from the WIPO’s website ( www.wipo.int/pct/en/texts/reg_des.html ). This means that for some groups…
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of the Locarno Classification manual?
The Locarno Classification manual, available from WIPO, serves as a comprehensive guide for classifying industrial designs. According to the MPEP, the manual delineates the individual classes and subclasses and includes: (1) a general list of classes of industrial designs divided into broad subclasses; and (2) an alphabetical list of specific industrial designs with an indication…
Read MoreHow can I prevent the international publication of my patent application?
Preventing the international publication of a patent application is possible through timely withdrawal, as described in MPEP 1859 and PCT Rule 90bis. Here are the key points: Withdraw the entire international application before the completion of technical preparations for publication. Submit a notice of withdrawal to the International Bureau, receiving Office, or International Preliminary Examining…
Read MoreWhat is the Request form in a PCT application?
The Request form (PCT/RO/101) is a standardized form used in filing an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). According to MPEP 1821, “The Request must either be made on a standardized form PCT/RO/101 to be filled in with the required indications or be presented as a computer printout complying with the PCT…
Read MoreWhat is the PCT and how many member states are there?
The PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) is an international patent law treaty that provides a unified procedure for filing patent applications to protect inventions in its contracting states. The exact number of member states changes over time as new countries join. According to the MPEP, An updated list of PCT Contracting States is available from WIPO’s…
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