PPC Study Guide 2026

Paralegals must use firm-approved secure channels to protect client confidentiality, regardless of client preference.

The International Search Report (ISR) is a list of prior art documents considered relevant to the PCT application's claims, prepared by an International Searching Authority (ISA) such as the USPTO, EPO, or JPO.

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.

Data security is fundamental in PPC practice, protecting sensitive professional and client information from unauthorized access, breaches, and loss.

Design patents are governed by 35 U.S.C. § 171, which allows patents for new, original, and ornamental designs for articles of manufacture.

After the EPO grants a European patent, the patentee must validate it in each desired EPC member state by paying national fees and, in many countries, filing an official translation within a set deadline (typically 3 months from grant).