How does STIC assist with foreign language patent documents?

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.

The Scientific and Technical Information Center (STIC) provides crucial assistance with foreign language patent documents in several ways:

1. Document Retrieval: STIC can obtain copies of foreign patent documents that are not readily available in USPTO databases.
2. Translation Services: STIC offers translation services for foreign language patents, enabling examiners to understand and analyze non-English patent documents.
3. Machine Translations: For quicker access, STIC provides machine translations of foreign patents.
4. Human Translations: When more accurate translations are needed, STIC can arrange for human translations of critical portions of foreign patents.

According to MPEP 901.06(a): “Copies of foreign patent documents and non-patent literature can be ordered by examiners through the Foreign Patent and Scientific Literature Branch.”