Can an examiner require information submitted to other government agencies?
This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.
Yes, an examiner can require information submitted to other government agencies under certain circumstances. The MPEP states:
“This requirement could include statements made or information submitted to other Government agencies such as the FDA.”
For example, when examining a claim related to a drug manufacturing process filed more than a year after FDA approval, an examiner might require the applicant to submit information provided to the FDA about the manufacturing process. This could include information from:
- New Drug Applications (NDAs)
- Biologics License Applications (BLAs)
Such requirements are based on the examiner’s authority under 37 CFR 1.105 to request information reasonably necessary for examination.