What are the requirements for conducting interviews with inventors or assignees?
When conducting interviews with inventors or assignees, examiners must adhere to specific requirements: The practitioner of record must authorize and be present for the interview. Inventors or assignees cannot participate without the practitioner’s presence. Examiners should not conduct interviews directly with inventors or assignees alone. According to the MPEP 408: ‘Interviews with inventors or assignees…
Read MoreWhat information should be included in the Applicant Initiated Interview Request form?
The Applicant Initiated Interview Request form (PTOL-413A) should include specific information to facilitate the interview process. According to MPEP 408: This form should identify the participants of the interview, the proposed date of the interview, whether the interview will be personal, telephonic, or video conference, and should include a brief description of the issues to…
Read MoreWhat form should be submitted when requesting an applicant-initiated interview?
When an applicant is initiating an interview request, they should submit an ‘Applicant Initiated Interview Request’ form (PTOL-413A) to the examiner. The MPEP provides the following guidance: When applicant is initiating a request for an interview, an ‘Applicant Initiated Interview Request’ form (PTOL-413A) should be submitted to the examiner prior to the interview in order…
Read MoreCan examiners initiate interview requests with patent practitioners?
Yes, examiners can initiate interview requests with patent practitioners of record. The MPEP encourages this practice to expedite prosecution: The Office encourages the use of interviews to expedite prosecution. When the examiner believes the progress of the application would be advanced by an interview, the examiner may contact the patent practitioner of record in the…
Read MoreCan non-registered representatives be contacted for patent application actions?
No, non-registered representatives should not be contacted for patent application actions, even if they appear to be authorized by the attorney or agent of record. The MPEP clearly states: In addition, non-registered representatives of the practitioner of record should not be contacted for such actions, even if apparently authorized by the attorney or agent of…
Read MoreWho can an examiner contact for interviews regarding a patent application?
According to the MPEP, an examiner can contact the patent practitioner of record in the application for interviews. The MPEP states: When the examiner believes the progress of the application would be advanced by an interview, the examiner may contact the patent practitioner of record in the application (in accordance with MPEP § 713) and…
Read MoreAre there restrictions on communicating with unregistered, suspended, or excluded attorneys regarding patent applications?
Yes, there are strict restrictions on communicating with unregistered, suspended, or excluded attorneys regarding patent applications. The MPEP clearly states: Office employees are forbidden from holding either oral or written communication with an unregistered, suspended or excluded attorney or agent regarding an application unless it is one in which said attorney or agent is the…
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