How should an examiner explain the reasons for requiring information?
According to MPEP 704.14(a), an examiner should provide a clear explanation for requiring information:
‘The examiner should also specify why the required information is needed and how it can be applied to the patentability determination.’
This explanation serves several purposes:
- It justifies the requirement to the applicant
- It helps the applicant understand the relevance of the requested information
- It guides the applicant in providing focused and pertinent responses
By clearly articulating the reasons for the requirement, examiners facilitate a more efficient examination process and help applicants provide the most relevant information for assessing patentability. This practice aligns with the USPTO’s goal of transparent and effective patent examination procedures.
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