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

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.”

To learn more:

• video conferencing
• patent interviews
• USPTO guidelines
• patent examination