How does an examiner indicate that they have considered an information disclosure statement (IDS)?
A
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:
- By placing their initials adjacent to the citations on the PTO/SB/08 form or its equivalent.
- 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))
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Topics:
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure