What are the benefits of using internet searching in patent examination?
Internet searching offers several benefits to patent examiners during the examination process. According to MPEP 904.02(c), some key advantages include:
- Access to Non-Patent Literature (NPL): The internet provides a vast repository of technical and scientific information that may not be available in traditional patent databases.
- Up-to-date Information: Internet sources often contain the most recent developments in various technical fields.
- Diverse Sources: Examiners can access a wide range of sources, including academic papers, technical reports, and industry publications.
- Efficiency: Internet searching can be faster and more comprehensive than manual searches of physical documents.
The MPEP states: “The internet provides an extensive source of non-patent literature that may be pertinent for many applications.” This underscores the importance of internet searching as a complement to traditional patent database searches, enabling examiners to conduct more thorough and efficient prior art searches.
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