What are the best practices for conducting patent interviews?

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.

The USPTO provides guidelines for conducting effective patent interviews:

• Use interview time efficiently
• Present positions with decorum and courtesy
• Minimize interruptions during the interview
• Group interviews where effective

The MPEP refers to a comprehensive resource: “This policy and other interview tips are detailed in the Interview Best Practices document which is available at www.uspto.gov/InterviewPractice.” Applicants and examiners are encouraged to review this document for detailed guidance on conducting productive interviews.