What constitutes prior art for international patent searches?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 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. According to MPEP 1843.01 , prior art for international patent searches consists of: Everything made available to the public worldwide by written disclosure (including drawings and illustrations) Content capable of assisting in determining if the claimed invention is new or involves an inventive step Disclosures made available to the public prior to the international filing date As stated in the MPEP: “ ‘Prior art’ consists of everything which has been made available to the public anywhere in the world by means of written disclosure (including drawings and other illustrations); ” This includes documents published on the internet or in online databases. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse International Filing Date Determines Prior Art Consideration MPEP 1843.01 Relevant Prior Art Before Filing Date Required MPEP 1843.01 Required Prior Art for International Application MPEP 1843.01 Public Written Disclosure Is Prior Art MPEP 1843.01 Required Written Disclosure Required for Prior Art MPEP 1843.01 Recommended Oral Disclosures Not Prior Art Unless Written MPEP 1843.01 Internet and Online Database Disclosures Considered as Written Disclosure MPEP 1843.01 Non-Written Disclosures Not Considered Prior Art MPEP 1843.01 Prohibited Written Disclosure Must Be Mentioned if Publicly Available Before Filing Date MPEP 1843.01 Required Notification of Written Opinion as International Preliminary Exam Opinion MPEP 1843 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How are internet disclosures treated as prior art in international patent searches? What is the &#8220;minimum documentation&#8221; requirement for international patent searches? How are non-written disclosures...