How is Box No. V used in the International Preliminary Examination Report?
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.
Box No. V in the International Preliminary Examination Report (IPER) is a crucial section that addresses the patentability criteria. According to MPEP 1879:
“In Box No. V, the examiner must list in summary form all claims with respect to the criteria of novelty, inventive step (non-obviousness), and industrial applicability.”
The examiner uses this box to provide a reasoned statement regarding:
- Novelty (N): Whether the claimed invention is new.
- Inventive Step (IS): Whether the claimed invention involves an inventive step (is non-obvious).
- Industrial Applicability (IA): Whether the claimed invention is industrially applicable.
For each of these criteria, the examiner must indicate:
- Which claims satisfy the criterion
- Which claims fail to satisfy the criterion
- The reasons for the conclusion with citations to relevant documents
This box is essential for providing a clear and concise summary of the examiner’s findings regarding the patentability of the invention.