What are the primary responsibilities of a Primary Examiner in the USPTO?

What are the primary responsibilities of a Primary Examiner in the USPTO?

A Primary Examiner in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has several key responsibilities, including:

  • Reviewing and approving various actions prepared by assistant examiners
  • Signing official USPTO communications
  • Making final determinations on the patentability of inventions
  • Authorizing Examiner’s Amendments
  • Conducting interviews with applicants or their representatives

According to MPEP 1004, “Primary Examiners are expected to personally check the work of assistant examiners when approving an action to be taken in any application and to personally check the search made by the assistant examiner.”

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Tags: patent examination, primary examiner, responsibilities, USPTO