What happens if I don’t fully respond to a Requirement for Information?

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.

If you fail to reply completely to a Requirement for Information within the set time period (including any extensions), your application will be abandoned. As stated in the MPEP, Failure to reply within the time period set will result in the abandonment of the application. However, if you provide an incomplete reply within the original time period, you can complete it within that same period, including any extensions. The MPEP notes, Any incomplete reply can be completed within the original time period set including any extensions.