Can a patent examiner request information about related applications or patents?
Yes, a patent examiner can request information about related applications or patents. According to MPEP 704.11(a), this includes:
- Copies of related applications
- Copies of other pending U.S. applications
- Copies of foreign patent documents cited in the specification
- Dates of public use or sale
- Information regarding inventorship
The MPEP specifically states: ‘Information reasonably necessary for finding prior art … may include … copies of related applications or related patents referred to in the specification.’ This allows examiners to comprehensively evaluate the invention’s novelty and non-obviousness in light of related work.
To learn more: