What is the MPEP’s stance on “sounding out” interviews with patent examiners?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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 MPEP explicitly prohibits interviews that are solely for the purpose of “sounding out” the examiner. According to MPEP 713.03 : “Interviews that are solely for the purpose of ‘sounding out’ the examiner, as by a local attorney acting for an out-of-town attorney, should not be permitted when it is apparent that any agreement that would be reached is conditional upon being satisfactory to the principal attorney.” This policy is designed to prevent conditional or non-binding discussions that may waste the examiner’s time and resources. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Interview for Sounding Out Not Permitted When Conditional on Principal Attorney’s Approval MPEP 713.03 Recommended Interview to Advance Patent Prosecution Recommended MPEP 713 Recommended Interviews to Advance Patent Prosecution MPEP 713 Interviews Help Advance Patent Prosecution and Identify Patentable Subject Matter MPEP 713 Positions Presented During Interviews Should Be Advanced with Decorum and Courtesy MPEP 713 Recommended Interviews to Clarify Application Issues Recommended MPEP 713 Recommended Interview to Bridge Examiner-Applicant Gap MPEP 713 Permitted Interviews Must Clarify Application Issues MPEP 713 Recommended Interview Time Must Be Used Efficiently MPEP 713 Recommended Interview Time Must Be Managed Efficiently MPEP 713 Recommended Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can a local attorney conduct an interview on behalf of an out-of-town attorney? What constitutes a prohibited &#8220;sounding out&#8221; interview according to the MPEP? Why does the USPTO prohibit &#8220;sounding out&#8221; interviews with patent examiners? Can multiple interviews be conducted after a fi...