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.
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