What does the MPEP say about applications up for third action?

The MPEP emphasizes the importance of efficient examination for applications up for third or subsequent actions. According to MPEP 707.02:

The supervisory patent examiners are expected to personally check on the pendency of every application which is up for the third or subsequent Office action with a view to finally concluding its prosecution.

This means that supervisory examiners should pay special attention to applications that have already received two or more Office actions, with the goal of bringing the examination process to a conclusion.

To learn more:

• Third Action
• Patent Examination
• Supervisory Patent Examiner
• Office Action