What is the significance of the INPADOC family in patent translation?

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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 INPADOC (International Patent Documentation) family plays a crucial role in patent translation. According to MPEP 901.05(d) : “Members of the INPADOC family of an application are usually regarded as preferred sources of foreign language text.” This means that when searching for translations of foreign language patents, examiners often look to other patents within the same INPADOC family. These related documents are likely to contain similar content in different languages, making them valuable resources for understanding the original patent’s content. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Examiners May Request Human Translations of References MPEP 901.05(d) Permitted Examiners Can Use STIC Services for Translation MPEP 901.05(d) Permitted Foreign Specifications Often Available in English MPEP 901.05(d) Requirement for Examiner's Action Under 1.104(a)(1) MPEP 901 Examiners Can Seek Oral Translation Help MPEP 901.05(d) Permitted Examiners May Request Translations MPEP 901.05(d) Permitted Examiners Can Request Translations MPEP 901.05(d) Permitted Human Translations Delivered by Email Only MPEP 901.05(d) Machine Translation Tools Listing Required MPEP 901.05(d) Examiners Can Contact Translators for Oral Translations MPEP 901.05(d) Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How should examiners cite foreign language documents and their translations in office actions? How do patent examiners handle non-English language abstracts? What should be done if a machine translation of a foreign document is not of sufficient quality for patent examination? What should examiners do if a machine translation is unclear or insufficient? When are machine translation...