Can 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 which distinctly and specifically points out the supposed errors in the examiner’s action and must reply to every ground of objection and rejection in the prior Office action.’
This means that:
- All objections and rejections must be addressed
- Failing to respond to even one rejection can make the reply non-responsive
- The examiner may issue a notice of non-responsive amendment if some rejections are ignored
It’s crucial to thoroughly review the Office action and ensure all points are addressed in the reply.
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