What authority do Supervisory Patent Examiners have regarding preliminary amendments and supplemental amendments?
Supervisory Patent Examiners have the authority to disapprove certain types of amendments. The MPEP states:
“Disapproval of preliminary amendments under 37 CFR 1.115 or second (or subsequent) supplemental amendments (3rd reply) under 37 CFR 1.111, MPEP §§ 714.01(e) and 714.03(a).”
This means that Supervisory Patent Examiners can decide whether to accept or reject preliminary amendments and certain supplemental amendments. This authority helps maintain the efficiency of the examination process by preventing excessive or unnecessary amendments that could delay prosecution.
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