Can I show a video during a patent interview with an examiner?

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.

Yes, you can show a video during a patent interview with an examiner, but there are specific guidelines to follow:

• You must demonstrate that the video content is relevant to an outstanding issue in the application.
• The video should advance the prosecution of the application.
• If the video format is not compatible with USPTO equipment, you should bring the necessary equipment to display it.
• The substance of the interview, including a summary of the video content, must be made of record in the application.

As stated in MPEP 713.01: “Attorneys or applicants wishing to show a video during an examiner interview must be able to demonstrate that the content of the video has a bearing on an outstanding issue in the application and its viewing will advance the prosecution of the application.”