What role do foreign classifications play in USPTO patent searches?
Foreign classifications play an important role in USPTO patent searches by expanding the scope of the search to include relevant prior art from other countries. According to MPEP 904.02(a):
“A proper field of search normally includes the subclass in which the claimed subject matter of an application would be classified in the U.S. Patent Classification System and analogous areas of domestic and foreign classification.”
This means that examiners are expected to consider foreign classification systems that may contain relevant prior art. By including foreign classifications in their searches, examiners can:
- Identify relevant prior art that may not be covered by U.S. classifications
- Ensure a more comprehensive and global search
- Increase the likelihood of finding all pertinent prior art
This approach helps maintain the quality and thoroughness of patent examinations by considering a wider range of potential prior art sources.
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