How can I schedule an interview with a patent examiner?

To schedule an interview with a patent examiner, you can follow these steps:

1. Use the USPTO’s Automated Interview Request (AIR) Form at www.uspto.gov/patent/uspto-automated-interview-request-air-form.html (recommended).
2. Alternatively, contact the examiner by letter, facsimile, electronic mail, telephone, or using the “Applicant Initiated Interview Request” form (PTOL-413A).
3. Provide the following information:
   • Participants of the interview
   • Proposed date of the interview
   • Communication mode (e.g., personal, telephonic, or video conference)
   • Brief description of the issues to be discussed

As stated in MPEP 713.01: “An interview should be arranged in advance to insure that the primary examiner and/or the examiner in charge of the application will be available.”

To learn more:

• patent interviews
• interview scheduling
• USPTO AIR form
• patent examination