This page consolidates MPEP guidance interpreting 37 CFR § 1.3, including 11 rules 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.

Summary

This section ensures that examiners maintain professional and respectful communication during patent application examination by avoiding offensive language and being sensitive to race, religion, sex, ethnic group, and nationality.

What this section covers

• Defines the scope of this section, which addresses examiner conduct during patent application examination.
• Identifies that this section focuses on ensuring a respectful and professional environment in the examination process.

Key obligations

• Examiners must avoid using offensive language in their communications with applicants.
• Examiners should be sensitive to race, religion, sex, ethnic group, and nationality in their communications.
• Examiners must follow the USC/CFR guidelines for professional conduct during patent application examination.

Practice notes

• Examiners should review their communications for any potentially offensive language before sending them.
• Avoid using stereotypes or making assumptions based on an applicant's race, religion, sex, ethnic group, or nationality.

Based on MPEP Last Modified: 10/30/2024 08:50:22