How should an applicant respond to an Office Action?

When responding to an Office Action, applicants should:

• Include the application number, 4-digit art unit number, and examiner’s name
• Include the 4-digit confirmation number on every paper filed
• Address all rejections and objections raised in the Office Action
• Provide arguments for allowability as required by 37 CFR 1.111

The MPEP section 707 states: Replies to Office actions should include the application number as well as the 4-digit art unit number and the examiner’s name to expedite handling within the Office. Further, applicants are encouraged to include the 4-digit confirmation number on every paper filed in the Office.

For extensive amendments, it’s preferable to have them filed by the attorney or agent of record, as this provides a better record in the file wrapper, including applicant’s arguments for allowability.

To learn more:

• Office Action Response
• Patent Application Procedure
• USPTO Communication
• Applicant Reply