How does the USPTO handle non-English language patent documents?
The USPTO has implemented measures to make non-English language patent documents more accessible to examiners:
- English language abstracts:
Until October 1995, it was the practice in the Office to classify and place only a single patent family member for each invention in the examiner search files. In addition, all non-English language patent documents placed in the examiner files were accompanied, to the extent possible, by an English language abstract.
- Derwent World Patents index:
The Derwent World Patents index is available on the EAST and WEST systems and provides patent family information and Derwent titles and abstracts in English of foreign patent documents.
- Translation services:
Additionally, STIC translation staff is able to retrieve foreign patent information for examiners.
These provisions ensure that examiners can access and understand the content of non-English patent documents, facilitating thorough prior art searches and examinations.
To learn more: