How does the USPTO handle additional information submitted by applicants in response to examiner requests?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 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 has specific procedures for handling additional information submitted by applicants in response to examiner requests. According to MPEP 707.05(b) , “Information submitted by applicant in the manner provided in MPEP § 704.10 et seq. will not be supplied with an Office action.” This means that while the examiner will consider the submitted information during the examination process, they will not include copies of this information with their official communications (Office actions) to the applicant. The examiner is still obligated to conduct their own independent prior art search and may cite other relevant prior art they discover during this process, regardless of the information submitted by the applicant. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Information Not Supplied with Office Action MPEP 707.05(b) Examiners Must Conduct Independent Prior Art Searches MPEP 707.05(b) Permitted Response to Office Actions Requires Specific Information MPEP 707 Recommended Applicant-Supplied Prior Art Not Included in Office Action MPEP 707.05(b) First Office Action Must Identify Allowed Claims MPEP 707 Guidelines for Submitting Prior Art MPEP 707.05(b) Office Actions for Ex Parte Reexamination MPEP 707 Office Actions for Inter Partes Reexamination MPEP 707 Common Ownership for Prior Art MPEP 707 Required Commonly Owned Prior Art for AIA Effective Dates MPEP 707 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the purpose of citing related art in patent applications? How does the USPTO handle prior art submitted by applicants? How should applicants cite information from foreign language documents? Can applicants cite documents that are not prior art in paten...