What is the significance of foreign patent documents in MPEP 904 searches?

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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. MPEP 904 emphasizes the importance of including foreign patent documents in comprehensive prior art searches. The section states: “In general, the examiner should search in all pertinent areas of the US, FPRS (Foreign Patent Retrieval System), NPL and Internet databases…” Key points about searching foreign patent documents include: Foreign Patent Retrieval System (FPRS) is a specific tool mentioned for accessing foreign patents Examiners are expected to consider relevant foreign patent documents Foreign patents can provide valuable prior art not found in US patents The global nature of technology development necessitates searching beyond US patent databases By including foreign patent documents in their searches, examiners can ensure a more comprehensive examination of the global state of the art relevant to a patent application. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Examiner Must Consider Prior Art from Parent Application MPEP 904 Required Review of Cited Prior Art from Parent Application Required MPEP 904 Recommended Examiner Must Identify All Prior Art Sources MPEP 904 Required Search Updates Must Include All Relevant Databases and Queries MPEP 904 Recommended Parent Applications Must Be Reviewed for Prior Art MPEP 904 Required Examiner Must Complete Search Notes Form MPEP 904 Required Examiner Must Review File Wrapper History and PTAB Post-Grant Proceedings MPEP 904 Required Documents Cited in International Search Report Must Be Considered MPEP 904 First Search Should Cover Invention as Claimed MPEP 904 Recommended Examiner’s First Office Action Relies on Initial Search References MPEP 904 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What additional classifi...