What is patent family information and how can examiners access it?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 9 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. Patent family information refers to related patent documents that share a common priority. According to MPEP 901.07 , examiners at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office can access this information through: Commercial databases Automated search tools like EAST and WEST Search services provided by the Scientific and Technical Information Center (STIC) The Common Citation Document website via the Examiner’s Toolkit The MPEP states: Patent family information is available at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Office) primarily through commercial databases. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 9 rules Collapse Examiners Access Patent Family Through Databases MPEP 901.07 Examiners Can Access Patent Family Data MPEP 901.07 Permitted Foreign Patent Searches Through STIC Permitted MPEP 901.07 Examiners Can Request Foreign Patent Searches Through STIC MPEP 901.07 Permitted Requirement for Examiner's Action Under 1.104(a)(1) MPEP 901 WPI Database Requirement for In-House Search Integration MPEP 901.07 WPI In-House for Additional Searches MPEP 901.07 Required WPI In-House First Choice for Publication Dates and Patent Families MPEP 901.07 Patent Examiners May Use WPI or INPADOC MPEP 901.07 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the Common Citation Document website and how do examiners use it? What is the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system? How does the Global Dossier Initiative benefit patent examiners? How does patent family information assist in prior art searches? What is the purpose of patent family information in patent examination?