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

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

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.

To learn more:

• IDS
• Information Disclosure Statement
• Non-English documents
• Patent application