MPEP § 713.03 — Interview for “Sounding Out” Examiner Not Permitted (Annotated Rules)
This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 713.03, 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.
Interview for “Sounding Out” Examiner Not Permitted
This section addresses Interview for “Sounding Out” Examiner Not Permitted.
Key Rules
Mandatory Requirements (1)
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.
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.
Official MPEP § 713.03 — Interview for “Sounding Out” Examiner Not Permitted
Source: USPTO713.03 Interview for “Sounding Out” Examiner Not Permitted [R-08.2012]
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.