What are the requirements for using video conferencing for patent interviews?

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.

Video conferencing for patent interviews must adhere to specific requirements as outlined in MPEP 713.01:

• All video conferences must originate or be hosted by USPTO personnel.
• Examiners cannot conduct interviews via video conferences hosted by applicants or third parties.
• The examiner assigned to the application should coordinate the video conference using USPTO web-based collaboration tools.
• Written authorization from the applicant is preferred before scheduling a video conference.
• Oral authorization is sufficient but limited to arranging the video conference interview.

The MPEP states: “All video conferences for interviews MUST originate or be hosted by USPTO personnel. Examiners may not conduct interviews via video conferences hosted by applicants or third parties.”