What tools do patent examiners use to review and annotate IDS citations?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 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. Patent examiners at the USPTO are provided with specialized tools to review and annotate citations in Information Disclosure Statements. The MPEP 609.08 states: Examiners are provided with a tool to electronically annotate citations and electronically sign the IDS when reviewing the cited references. These electronic tools enhance the efficiency of the examination process and allow examiners to easily mark and sign off on reviewed references. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Examiner Processing of Information Disclosure Statements MPEP 609 Examiner Will Consider Information Disclosure Statement MPEP 609 Use PTO/SB/08 for Information Disclosure Statements MPEP 609 Timing for Filing Information Disclosure Statement Required MPEP 609 Required Late Filing of Information Disclosure Statement Allowed With Fee MPEP 609 Required Fee for Information Disclosure Statement MPEP 609 Information Disclosure Statement Before Issue Fee Payment MPEP 609 Required Fee Required for Information Disclosure Statement MPEP 609 Information Disclosure Statement Must Exclude Foreign Office Citations and Pre-Filing Knowledge MPEP 609 Information Disclosure Statement Must Include Specific Items MPEP 609 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How do applicants receive a copy of the processed IDS from the USPTO? How does the USPTO process Information Disclosure Statements electronically? Where is the electronically processed IDS stored in the USPTO&#8217;s official record? How can I determine if a cited reference in an IDS has been considered by the examiner? When should an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) be filed in a patent application?