What is an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) in patent applications?
An Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) is a mechanism by which patent applicants can comply with the duty of disclosure provided in 37 CFR 1.56. It allows applicants to submit information that is material to patentability to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
According to the MPEP, The provisions of 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98 provide a mechanism by which patent applicants may comply with the duty of disclosure provided in 37 CFR 1.56 using an IDS.
This means that an IDS is a formal way to disclose relevant prior art and other information to the patent examiner.
To learn more:
Topics:
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure