What form should be submitted when requesting an applicant-initiated interview?

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.

When an applicant is initiating an interview request, they should submit an ‘Applicant Initiated Interview Request’ form (PTOL-413A) to the examiner. The MPEP provides the following guidance:

When applicant is initiating a request for an interview, an ‘Applicant Initiated Interview Request’ form (PTOL-413A) should be submitted to the examiner prior to the interview in order to permit the examiner to prepare in advance for the interview and to focus on the issues to be discussed.

This form helps streamline the interview process by providing the examiner with essential information about the proposed interview.