What is the time period for replying to an Ex parte Quayle Office action?
An Ex parte Quayle Office action is issued when an application is in condition for allowance, except for matters of form. According to MPEP 710.02(b), When an application is in condition for allowance, except as to matters of form, such as correction of the specification, a new oath, etc., the application will be considered special and prompt action taken to require correction of formal matters. Such action should include an indication on the Office Action Summary form PTOL-326 that prosecution on the merits is closed in accordance with the decision in Ex parte Quayle, 25 USPQ 74, 453 OG 213 (Comm’r Pat. 1935). A 2-month shortened statutory period for reply should be set.
This shorter period helps expedite the final steps towards patent issuance.
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