Are interviews allowed during supplemental examination proceedings?
No, interviews are strictly prohibited during supplemental examination proceedings. This is clearly stated in 37 CFR 1.620(e): “Interviews are prohibited in a supplemental examination proceeding.”
The MPEP explains that this prohibition is in place to help the Office process supplemental examination requests within the statutory three-month period. Any request for an interview filed during a supplemental examination is considered unauthorized and will be removed from the file if accidentally entered.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2800 - Supplemental Examination,
MPEP 2814 - Interviews Are Prohibited,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure