What is Rospatent and when did it become available as an International Searching Authority?

Rospatent, or the Federal Service for Intellectual Property of the Russian Federation, became available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for PCT applications on January 10, 2012. As stated in the MPEP, Since January 10, 2012, the Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent) (Russian Federation) has been available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for PCT applications filed by U.S. nationals or residents in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as receiving Office or in the International Bureau (IB) as receiving Office. This expansion of ISA options provides more choices for PCT applicants from the United States.

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Tags: International Bureau, International Searching Authority, PCT applications, rospatent, USPTO