How does the USPTO communicate with applicants regarding protests?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. The USPTO communicates directly with the applicant, not the protestor, regarding any protests filed against their application. According to MPEP 1901.05 : “The Office will communicate with the applicant regarding any protest entered in an application file and may require the applicant to supply information pursuant to 37 CFR 1.291(f), including replies to specific questions raised by the protest, in order for the Office to decide any issues raised thereby.” This means that the examiner can request additional information from the applicant to address issues raised in the protest, ensuring a fair examination process. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Examiner Can Require Applicant to Respond to Protest Questions MPEP 1901.05 Permitted Protestor Cannot Receive Communications Other Than Acknowledgment MPEP 1901.05 Permitted Requirement for Responding to Protest MPEP 1901.05 Permitted Application File Contents Become Public After Publication Under 35 U.S.C. 122(b) MPEP 1901.05 Request for Published Application File Contents Allowed MPEP 1901.05 Permitted Public Can Protest Pending Patents If Identified MPEP 1901 Permitted Protestor Receives Only Acknowledgment Postcard MPEP 1901.05 First Protest Not Required to Include Statement MPEP 1901 Required Protest Filing Requirements for Patent Applications MPEP 1901 Protest Not Allowed In Provisional Applications MPEP 1901 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How can the public access information about published patent applications? What is the difference in handling protests for original and reissue applications? What information is included in a protest acknowledgment for a published application? Can a protesto...