How are copies of cited references provided to patent applicants?

According to MPEP 707.05(a), copies of cited foreign patent documents and non-patent literature are automatically furnished without charge to applicants with the Office action. However, copies of U.S. patents and U.S. patent application publications are not provided in paper to applicants.

The MPEP states: Copies of cited foreign patent documents and non-patent literature references (except as noted below) are automatically furnished without charge to applicant together with the Office action in which they are cited.

To learn more:

• patent references
• Office action
• cited documents
• U.S. patents
• foreign patents
• non-patent literature

To learn more:

• U.S. patents