How does the ‘No Inter Partes Questions Discussed Ex Parte’ rule affect patent applicants?

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.

The ‘No Inter Partes Questions Discussed Ex Parte’ rule, as outlined in MPEP 713.06, affects patent applicants by:

• Ensuring fair treatment: All parties receive the same information and opportunities during the examination process.
• Limiting private communications: Applicants cannot discuss matters involving other parties with the examiner in private.
• Promoting transparency: All relevant discussions and decisions are documented and accessible to all interested parties.
• Maintaining integrity: The rule helps prevent potential favoritism or bias in the examination process.

This rule protects the interests of all parties involved in the patent application process and maintains the credibility of the USPTO’s examination procedures.