What is the purpose of patent family information in patent examination?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 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. The purpose of patent family information in patent examination is to provide examiners with a comprehensive view of related patent documents across different jurisdictions. According to MPEP 901.07 : “Patent family information provides a list of all patents and patent publications that are related to a particular patent document.” This information helps examiners: Identify relevant prior art more efficiently Understand the global patent landscape for a particular invention Assess the novelty and non-obviousness of claimed inventions in a broader context Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Examiners Access Patent Family Through Databases MPEP 901.07 Examiners Can Access Patent Family Data 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 Examiners Can Request Foreign Patent Searches Through STIC MPEP 901.07 Permitted Foreign Patent Searches Through STIC Permitted MPEP 901.07 Avenue for Submitting Information in Issued Patents MPEP 1134.01 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? What is patent family information and how can examiners access it? How does patent family information assist in prior art searches?