How is novelty defined for international preliminary examination?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27

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.

Novelty for international preliminary examination is defined in MPEP 1878.01(a)(1), which cites PCT Article 33(2):

For the purposes of the international preliminary examination, a claimed invention shall be considered novel if it is not anticipated by the prior art as defined in the Regulations.

This definition applies to both the written opinion of the International Searching Authority and the international preliminary examination report.

Tags: international preliminary examination, novelty, PCT, prior art