What is Form Paragraph 16.13 in plant patent examination?
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.
Form Paragraph 16.13 is a standardized text used by patent examiners to request plant specimens during the examination of plant patent applications. As mentioned in MPEP 1607, “Form Paragraph 16.13 may be used to require specimens.“
The MPEP provides the following text for Form Paragraph 16.13:
“Applicant [1] required to submit [2] in accordance with 37 CFR 1.166.“
In this form paragraph, [1] is replaced with “is” or “is hereby,” and [2] is replaced with the specific specimens required. This form paragraph serves as an official request for the applicant to provide the necessary plant specimens for examination.