How does an examiner indicate that they have considered an information disclosure statement (IDS)?

An examiner can indicate consideration of an IDS in two ways:

1. By placing their initials adjacent to the citations on the PTO/SB/08 form or its equivalent.
2. Using an alternative electronic signature method where:
   • Each page of reference citations is stamped with “All references considered except where lined through” along with the examiner’s electronic initials.
   • The final page includes the examiner’s electronic signature.
   • Citations not considered are struck through.

As stated in the MPEP, The initials of the examiner placed adjacent to the citations on the PTO/SB/08 or its equivalent mean that the information has been considered by the examiner to the extent noted above. (MPEP 609.05(b))

To learn more:

• IDS
• information disclosure statement
• patent examination
• PTO/SB/08
• examiner consideration