How does MPEP 1901.02 address information about potential interferences in protests?
MPEP 1901.02 specifically mentions that information about potential interferences can be included in a protest. The section states:
“Information which can be relied on in a protest… includes information about other applications or patents which might result in double patenting or a Patent Office interference proceeding.”
This means that if a protestor is aware of other applications or patents that might conflict with the application in question, they can bring this to the attention of the examiner through a protest. This information helps the USPTO avoid issuing patents that might lead to double patenting or interference proceedings later on.
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Topics:
MPEP 1900 - Protest,
MPEP 1901.02 - Information Which Can Be Relied On In Protest,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure