What are the primary search tools available to patent examiners?
The primary search tools available to patent examiners include:
- The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system
- The United States Patent Classification (USPC) system
- Various automated search tools and databases
According to MPEP 902, “The primary classification and search tools used by the USPTO are the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system, the United States Patent Classification (USPC) system and various automated search tools.” These tools help examiners efficiently search for and identify relevant prior art during the patent examination process.
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