Practice Test Geeks(PPC) Patent Paralegal Certification Practice Test
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Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice Flashcards

7 cards from real PPC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. A paralegal is conducting an international prior art search. Which database provides access to patent documents from over 100 countries and is operated by the EPO?

    Answer: Espacenet

    Espacenet is the EPO's free public database covering patent publications from over 100 countries, searchable in multiple languages.

  2. In a PCT application search, what document issued by the International Searching Authority (ISA) provides a written assessment of patentability?

    Answer: Written Opinion of the ISA (WOISA)

    The Written Opinion of the ISA assesses novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability based on the prior art found during the international search.

  3. Which WIPO database should a paralegal consult to track the international publication and national phase status of PCT applications?

    Answer: PATENTSCOPE

    PATENTSCOPE provides access to international PCT applications filed through WIPO and tracks their publication status and national/regional phase entries.

  4. When researching European patent validity, which document type from the EPO represents a final rejection of the application after examination?

    Answer: Decision to Refuse (Article 97(2) EPC)

    Under Article 97(2) EPC, the Examining Division issues a formal Decision to Refuse when the application does not meet EPO requirements after examination.

  5. A paralegal reviewing a foreign patent must assess whether its claims survive translation ambiguity. What is the standard best practice?

    Answer: Obtain a certified human translation and flag any terms requiring legal interpretation

    Certified human translations are essential for claim analysis because machine translations may misrepresent technical or legal terminology critical to scope assessment.

  6. Under the America Invents Act (AIA), prior art under 35 U.S.C. §102(a)(1) includes disclosures that were made before which date?

    Answer: The effective filing date of the claimed invention

    AIA §102(a)(1) bars patent protection for inventions disclosed before the effective filing date, making that date the critical cutoff for prior art applicability.

  7. Which search strategy is most effective for identifying design-around alternatives during FTO analysis?

    Answer: Combining CPC classification searches with keyword searches across claim limitations

    Combining CPC classification with keyword searches across claim elements ensures broad, systematic coverage of related technologies for identifying design-around opportunities.