How have Kind Codes changed for U.S. patent documents since 2001?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 3 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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 United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) began using WIPO Standard ST.16 codes (Kind Codes) on January 2, 2001. This change brought about several modifications to the coding system: New codes were introduced for patent application publications (A1, A2, A9) Codes for granted patents were changed (B1, B2) Specific codes were assigned to plant patents and their applications (P1, P2, P3, P4, P9) Reexamination certificate codes were updated (C1, C2, C3, …) The MPEP provides a detailed table of these changes, stating: “It is recommended that USPTO documents be identified by the following three elements: (A) the two-character country code (US for United States of America); (B) the patent or publication number; and (C) the WIPO ST.16 kind code.” These changes were implemented to improve the clarity and consistency of patent document identification across different types of patents and publications. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 3 rules Collapse Requirement for Examiner's Action Under 1.104(a)(1) MPEP 901 Declassified Patent Application Required MPEP 130 Electronic Office Action Notification for Patent Grants MPEP 1306.03 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can an abandoned application be used as prior art? What are the exceptions to the 18-month publication rule for patent applications? What is the significance of abandoned applications in patent examination? How should foreign patents and foreign published applications be cited? What information should be included when citing U.S. patent documents?