MPEP Section 902.03(e), Automated Search Tools: EAST and WEST

Executive summary:

This document contains Section 902.03(e) ("Automated Search Tools: EAST and WEST") of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (the "M.P.E.P."), Eighth Edition, Eighth Revision (July 2010). This page was last updated in January 2011. You may return to the section index to find a particular section. Alternatively, you may search the MPEP using the search box that appears on the left side of every page of BitLaw--you may restrict your search to the MPEP on the search results page.

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902.03(e) Automated Search Tools: EAST and WEST [R-5]

The automated search tools on examiners' desktop computers include the Examiner's Automated Search Tool (EAST), the Web-Based Examiner Search Tool (WEST), and the Foreign Patent Access System (FPAS). EAST and WEST provide examiners with access to the>: (A)< full text of U.S. published applications since 2001 *>; (B) full text of U.S.< patents granted since 1970 **>; and (C)< optically scanned full text of U.S. patents granted 1920-1970. Additionally, EAST and WEST each provide current classification information and images for all U.S. published applications and patents. Images are available for foreign patent documents, and English language abstracts are available for many foreign patent documents published since 1978 using the automated search tools. Specific instructions for gaining access to the various documents available using the automated search tools can be found in the "Patent Automation" folder in Microsoft Outlook and on the EAST, WEST, and BRS Search Strategy web pages on the Intranet, available on the examiners' desktop computers.

The EAST and WEST products are also available to users in the Patent Search Room at the USPTO.