Manual of Patent Examining Procedure - MPEP

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900 Prior Art, Classification, and Search

902.02(a) Definition Notes

Many of the definitions have accompanying notes. These notes are of two types: (A) notes that supplement definitions by explaining terms or giving examples, and (B) notes referring to related disclosures located in other classes or subclasses.

These latter notes are termed "See or Search" notes and are helpful in explaining the limits of a class or subclass. They generally state the relationship to, and difference from, other identified subject matter collections. It is intended that each note should help a user reach a decision either to include or exclude an area containing relevant subject matter.

Search notes are not exhaustive and should be regarded as suggestive of additional fields of search, but not as limiting the search. Additionally, since a search note which applies to a particular subclass is rarely repeated for subclasses indented thereunder, it is advisable to review the search notes of all parent subclasses.

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