What happens if an applicant submits a non-responsive reply to an Office action?
If an applicant submits a non-responsive reply to an Office action, the examiner may take specific actions. According to MPEP 714.02: ‘The examiner should not simply return or mail the papers to applicants as nonresponsive.’ Instead, the following steps may occur: The examiner may issue a notice of non-responsive amendment The applicant will be given…
Read MoreCan a reply be considered responsive if it only addresses some of the rejections?
No, a reply that only addresses some of the rejections is generally not considered fully responsive. The MPEP 714.02 states: ‘In order to be entitled to reconsideration or further examination, the applicant or patent owner must reply to the Office action. The reply by the applicant or patent owner must be reduced to a writing…
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