PPC Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 2

Question 1

Which USPTO database is the primary tool for searching published U.S. patent applications filed after March 15, 2001?

Accepted Answer

AppFT (Patent Application Full-Text Database)

Answer

AppFT contains U.S. patent applications published after March 15, 2001, making it the go-to database for published pre-grant application searches.

Question 2

When conducting a freedom-to-operate (FTO) search, which patent status should a paralegal prioritize reviewing?

Accepted Answer

Published applications and granted in-force patents

Answer

FTO analysis focuses on published applications and currently in-force granted patents because only enforceable claims can block a product.

Question 3

A paralegal uses the CPC (Cooperative Patent Classification) system. What is the primary advantage of CPC over older USPC classification?

Accepted Answer

CPC provides more granular subgroups and is internationally harmonized with EPO

Answer

CPC was developed jointly by the USPTO and EPO, offering finer classification subgroups and enabling consistent cross-border prior art searches.

Question 4

In patent research, what does a 'claims mapping' exercise primarily accomplish?

Accepted Answer

It compares each claim element against a product or prior art reference

Answer

Claims mapping systematically compares each limitation of a patent claim against a product feature or prior art reference to assess infringement or invalidity.

Question 5

Which resource provides the most authoritative information on the prosecution history of a pending U.S. patent application?

Accepted Answer

Patent Center (formerly EFS-Web/PAIR)

Answer

Patent Center is the USPTO's official portal giving access to all filed documents, office actions, and responses in a patent application's prosecution history.

(PPC) Patent Paralegal Certification Practice Test

(PPC) Patent Paralegal Certification Practice Test

PPC Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 2