How do I cite non-English language documents in an IDS?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

When citing non-English language documents in an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS), follow these guidelines:

• Provide a concise explanation of the relevance of the document.
• Include an English language translation or abstract if available.
• If a translation is not available, indicate the language of the document.

According to MPEP 609.04(a): “Where the information listed is not in the English language, but was cited in a search report or other action by a foreign patent office in a counterpart foreign application, the requirement for a concise explanation of relevance can be satisfied by submitting an English-language version of the search report or action which indicates the degree of relevance found by the foreign office.”

Properly citing non-English documents ensures the examiner can consider their relevance to your application.