How does MPEP 704 impact patent applicants?
MPEP 704 has significant implications for patent applicants. It outlines the procedures that patent examiners follow when conducting searches and requesting additional information, which directly affects how applications are examined and prosecuted.
For applicants, this means:
- Their inventions will be subject to thorough prior art searches.
- They may be required to provide additional information or evidence to support their claims.
- They should be prepared to respond to examiner requests for information in a timely and comprehensive manner.
Understanding MPEP 704 can help applicants anticipate potential examiner actions and prepare more robust patent applications.
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