What is the ‘Minimum Significant Part of the Number’ in foreign application citations?
The ‘Minimum Significant Part of the Number’ refers to the essential portion of a foreign application number that should be used in United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) records. According to the MPEP:
The ‘Minimum Significant Part of the Number’ identified in the tables should be used in United States Patent and Trademark Office records.
This concept is important because:
- It standardizes the citation of foreign applications across different numbering systems
- It ensures that the most crucial identifying information is captured
- It facilitates accurate cross-referencing and searching of patent documents
Applicants and examiners should refer to the WIPO tables to determine the correct ‘Minimum Significant Part of the Number’ for each foreign intellectual property office.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 200 - Types and Status of Application; Benefit and Priority,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure