What does the International Search Report contain?

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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. The International Search Report (ISR) contains several key elements as outlined in MPEP 1844 : Citations of documents considered relevant ( PCT Rule 43.5 and Administrative Instructions Section 503) Classification of the subject matter of the invention ( PCT Rule 43.3 and Administrative Instructions Section 504) Indication of the fields searched ( PCT Rule 43.6 ) The ISR also includes specific information about the cited documents: Citations of particular relevance are specially indicated (Administrative Instructions Section 505) Citations of certain special categories of documents are indicated (Administrative Instructions Section 507) Citations not relevant to all claims are cited in relation to the specific claims they are relevant to (Administrative Instructions Section 508) If only certain passages of a cited document are particularly relevant, they are identified by page, column, or line numbers ( PCT Rule 43.5(e) ) Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse International Search Report Must Be Established Within Time Limit and Prescribed Form MPEP 1844 Required International Search Report Must Be Sent to Applicant and International Bureau MPEP 1844 Required International Search Report Translation Required MPEP 1844 Required Search Report Must Identify Prior Art Only MPEP 1844 Recommended Continuation Sheets for International Search Report MPEP 1844 Optional Continuation Sheets for International Search Report MPEP 1844 Documents and Classification Indicated in International Search Report MPEP 1844 Two Main Sheets for International Search Reports Required MPEP 1844 Citations Must Be Specifically Identified for Relevant Passages MPEP 1844 Required Two Ma...