How does MPEP 1901.02 address information about potential interferences in protests?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. MPEP 1901.02 specifically mentions that information about potential interferences can be included in a protest. The section states: “Information which can be relied on in a protest… includes information about other applications or patents which might result in double patenting or a Patent Office interference proceeding.” This means that if a protestor is aware of other applications or patents that might conflict with the application in question, they can bring this to the attention of the examiner through a protest. This information helps the USPTO avoid issuing patents that might lead to double patenting or interference proceedings later on. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Content Over Form In Protests MPEP 1901.02 Court-Imposed Protective Info Can Be Submitted in Protest MPEP 1901.02 Permitted Trade Secrets Can Be Submitted in Protests MPEP 1901.02 Permitted Party Can Protest Pending Application and Call Attention to Prior Art MPEP 1901 Permitted Protests May Use Any Adverse Information MPEP 1901.02 Permitted Written Protest Required Before Publication MPEP 1901 Any Information Adverse to Patentability Can Be Used in Protest MPEP 1901.02 Permitted Office May Consider Non-Prior Art Evidence in Protests MPEP 1901.02 Prohibited Protest Content Must Follow Specific Format MPEP 1901.02 Required Types of Information for Patent Protest MPEP 1901.02 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can a protestor submit information about potential inequitable conduct in a protest? Can a protest include information about ongoing litigation related to the patent application? What types of information can be included in a protest under 37 CFR 1.291? What type...