What is the purpose of Form PTO-892 in patent examination?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10

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.

Form PTO-892, also known as the “Notice of References Cited,” is used by patent examiners to list the identifying data of citations when referencing them for the first time in a patent examination. As stated in MPEP 707.05(c):

In citing references for the first time, the identifying data of the citation should be placed on form PTO-892 “Notice of References Cited,” a copy of which will be attached to the Office action.

This form serves as a comprehensive list of references that the examiner considers relevant to the patent application, regardless of whether they are used as a basis for rejection or simply for informational purposes.

Tags: citation procedure, Notice Of References Cited, office action, patent examination, Pto 892