A more thorough explanation:

An information-disclosure statement is a document that inventors submit during the patent-application process. It reveals all relevant prior art during the patentability search. The statement must disclose all known patents, publications, and other references of prior art. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provides a form, “Information Disclosure Citation,” for this purpose. It is also known as a statement of prior-art references.

For example, if an inventor is applying for a patent for a new type of phone, they must disclose any prior art related to phones, such as existing patents or publications. This helps the patent examiner determine if the invention is truly novel and non-obvious.

An information letter is a written statement issued by the Department of Labor, specifically by the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration. It calls attention to a well-established interpretation or principle of ERISA, without applying it to a specific factual situation.

For example, an information letter may explain how ERISA applies to a certain type of retirement plan. It does not provide guidance on how to handle a specific situation, but rather provides general information on how ERISA works.

An information return is a tax return on which a person or entity reports income, deductions, and exemptions, and on which tax liability is calculated. It is also known as a tax return.

For example, individuals must file an information return, or tax return, every year to report their income and calculate their tax liability. Businesses must also file information returns to report their income and expenses.