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902.03(e) Automated Search Tools: EAST and WEST - 900 Prior Art, Classification, Search
902.03(e) Automated Search Tools: EAST and WEST
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 full text of U.S. patents granted since 1970. Additionally, EAST and WEST each provide current classification information and images for all U.S. patents. Images are available for foreign patent documents back to about 1920 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 on the examiners' desktop computers.
The EAST and WEST products are also available to users in the Patent Search Room at the USPTO.
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