How should patent applicants address rejections versus objections?

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.

Patent applicants should approach rejections and objections differently due to their distinct nature and review processes:

• Rejections: These involve the substance of the claims and are considered on their merits. As the MPEP states, The refusal to grant claims because the subject matter as claimed is considered unpatentable is called a ‘rejection.’ To address rejections, applicants typically need to:
  • Amend the claims to overcome the cited prior art
  • Provide arguments demonstrating patentability
  • If necessary, appeal to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
• Objections: These relate to formal matters or the form of claims. The MPEP notes, If the form of the claim (as distinguished from its substance) is improper, an ‘objection’ is made. To address objections, applicants typically need to:
  • Correct the form or format issues
  • Amend the application to comply with formal requirements
  • If persistent, file a petition to the Director of the USPTO

Understanding these differences helps applicants respond effectively to examiner feedback and navigate the patent examination process more efficiently.