TL;DR: In this article, a patent application management system maintains a database of references for numerous patent applications and copies reference information from an originating application to related patent applications to reduce the possibility that references are not properly cited to a patent office.
Abstract: A patent application management system maintains a database of references for numerous patent applications. The system copies reference information from an originating application to related patent applications. To reduce the possibility that references are not properly cited to a patent office, the system automatically enters a docket entry to schedule a review of the references and prepare a citation document. The docket is then viewable by a patent practitioner to provide a reminder of the pending task.