What is WIPO Standard ST.16 and why is it important for patent examiners?
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.
WIPO Standard ST.16 is a crucial resource for patent examiners, as outlined in MPEP 1851:
“The standard codes for identifying different kinds of patent documents are found in the ‘WIPO Handbook on Industrial Property Information and Documentation’ – WIPO Standard ST.16 which is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.”
This standard provides codes for identifying various types of patent documents, which is essential for accurate citation in international search reports and other patent-related documentation. The full standard is accessible on WIPO’s website, and Quality Assurance Specialists in each Technology Center have complete copies for reference.