MPEP § 704.13 — Time Periods for Reply (Annotated Rules)

§704.13 Time Periods for Reply

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2025-12-31

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 704.13, including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Time Periods for Reply

This section addresses Time Periods for Reply. Primary authority: 37 CFR 1.105 and 37 CFR 1.136(a). Contains: 1 guidance statement and 1 permission.

Key Rules

Topic

Abandonment for Failure to Reply

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-13-c31c4ccd8d917f1669b025a3]
Requirement for Reply to Information Request
Note:
Responding or failing to respond to a request for information under 37 CFR 1.105 must comply with 37 CFR 1.135 and 1.136.

A reply, or a failure to reply, to a requirement for information under 37 CFR 1.105 will be governed by 37 CFR 1.135 and 1.136. See MPEP § 710 et seq.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105Abandonment for Failure to ReplyRequirement for Information (37 CFR 1.105)Abandonment & Revival
Topic

Extension Fees

1 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-704-13-3600d7568a91e6e4e45894a6]
Two-Month Reply Period for Information Requests Without Merit Action
Note:
Applicant must reply within two months of receiving information requests without a merit action, with an option to extend up to six months.

Requirements for information under 37 CFR 1.105 made without an action on the merits should set a shortened statutory period of two months for reply. Applicant may extend the time period for reply up to six months in accordance with 37 CFR 1.136(a).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105Extension FeesPeriod Computation RulesShortened Statutory Period
Topic

Period Computation Rules

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-704-13-b91fec3a71e472f896ad632c]
Applicant May Extend Reply Time Up to Six Months
Note:
Applicants can extend the time period for responding up to six months according to 37 CFR 1.136(a).

Requirements for information under 37 CFR 1.105 made without an action on the merits should set a shortened statutory period of two months for reply. Applicant may extend the time period for reply up to six months in accordance with 37 CFR 1.136(a).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105Period Computation RulesSix Month Statutory PeriodExtension of Time (37 CFR 1.136)
Topic

Types of Office Actions

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-704-13-4676d67bbdfcb963ca5a24ba]
Requirement for Office Actions for Patent Term Adjustment
Note:
An Office action under 35 U.S.C. 132 is required for patent term adjustment purposes as per 37 CFR 1.105.

A requirement for information under 37 CFR 1.105 is an Office action under 35 U.S.C. 132 for patent term adjustment purposes. See MPEP § 2730 for information pertaining to patent term adjustment.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.105Types of Office ActionsExaminer's Action (37 CFR 1.104)Office Actions and Responses

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Types of Office Actions35 U.S.C. § 132
Abandonment for Failure to Reply
Extension Fees
Period Computation Rules
Types of Office Actions
37 CFR § 1.105
Abandonment for Failure to Reply37 CFR § 1.135
Extension Fees
Period Computation Rules
37 CFR § 1.136(a)
Types of Office ActionsMPEP § 2730
Abandonment for Failure to ReplyMPEP § 710

Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP

This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31