How should patent examiners handle claims in each Office action?

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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. Patent examiners should mention each pending claim by number and provide its treatment or status in every Office action. This practice is outlined in MPEP 707.07(i) , which states: In every Office action, each pending claim should be mentioned by number, and its treatment or status given. This approach ensures easy traceability of a claim’s history throughout the prosecution process. Additionally, examiners should include a summary of all claims’ status using Form PTO-326 ‘Office Action Summary’. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse First Office Action Summary Required MPEP 707 Permitted Each Claim Must Be Mentioned and Treated in Office Action MPEP 707.07(i) Recommended Each Claim Must Be Mentioned in Office Action MPEP 707.07(i) Recommended Each Claim Must Be Mentioned and Its Status Summarized in Each Office Action MPEP 707.07(i) Recommended First Office Action Requires Informal Patent Application Notice MPEP 707 Office Action Includes Disclosures and Allowable Subject Matter MPEP 707 Permitted First Office Action Must Identify Allowed Claims MPEP 707 Claims Must Retain Original Numerals Throughout Prosecution MPEP 707.07(i) Form Paragraphs Must Conclude Actions MPEP 707 Recommended Examiner Must Provide Reasons for Allowing Claims MPEP 707 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How are claims handled after a restriction requirement or election of species? What is the purpose of maintaining claim numbers throughout patent prosecution? What is Form PTO-326 and how is it used in patent examination? How should examiners handle multiple dependent claims in patent applications? What is the Index of Claims and how should it be maintained?