What are the requirements for using video conferencing for patent interviews?
Video conferencing for patent interviews must adhere to specific requirements as outlined in MPEP 713.01:
- All video conferences must originate or be hosted by USPTO personnel.
- Examiners cannot conduct interviews via video conferences hosted by applicants or third parties.
- The examiner assigned to the application should coordinate the video conference using USPTO web-based collaboration tools.
- Written authorization from the applicant is preferred before scheduling a video conference.
- Oral authorization is sufficient but limited to arranging the video conference interview.
The MPEP states: “All video conferences for interviews MUST originate or be hosted by USPTO personnel. Examiners may not conduct interviews via video conferences hosted by applicants or third parties.”
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