What is the significance of an examiner initialing a PTO/SB/08 form?

When an examiner initials a PTO/SB/08 form, also known as an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS), it has significant implications for the patent examination process. According to MPEP 707.05(d): “…unless applicant has listed the reference on a form PTO/SB/08 that has been initialed by the examiner.” The examiner’s initials on a PTO/SB/08 form indicate that they…

Read More