How does an examiner determine if a reply is complete under MPEP 704.14(b)?
According to MPEP 704.14(b), an examiner determines if a reply is complete by evaluating whether it addresses all the requirements set forth in the previous Office action. The MPEP states:
Direct quote: “The examiner should determine whether the reply: (A) meets the requirements of 37 CFR 1.111, including: (1) An amendment to the claims or specification or both; and/or (2) Arguments or an affidavit (37 CFR 1.132) showing that the rejected claims are patentable; (B) addresses all the grounds of rejection and objection set forth in the Office action; and (C) addresses the non-prior art rejections/objections as well as prior art rejections.”
The examiner must carefully review the applicant’s response to ensure it adequately addresses all issues raised in the previous Office action.
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