How can patent examiners obtain copies of foreign patent documents?
Patent examiners have several options to obtain copies of foreign patent documents:
- Access automated search tools such as EAST, WEST, and FPAS
- Request documents from the Foreign Patents Service Center in STIC
- Use the Global Dossier Public Access for PCT applications and WIPO-CASE participating offices
- Submit an online request using the Foreign Patent Request Form on STIC’s NPL website
- Make copies themselves from available resources
As stated in the MPEP: Examiners can request copies of any foreign patent documents by submitting an online request using the Foreign Patent Request Form available through STIC’s NPL website on the USPTO intranet.
To learn more: